IT WAS the end of an era.

Thousands have found rest and support at Southampton’s Centre for Seafarers over the last 130 years, but now it has closed its doors for good.

Retired seamen and worshippers emotionally gathered for the final service in the iconic chapel yesterday.

But senior clergymen insist they will continue supporting sailors – despite the closure of the main centre on Friday.

The building in Queen’s Terrace, provides rest and support for sailors after months at sea with a chapel, bar, entertainment, internet and counselling from dedicated port chaplains and is part of a vital service running since 1884.

But as previously reported the three charities running the centre – the Mission, Apostleship of the Sea and the Sailors’ Society have announced its closure – blaming lack of funds and reducing numbers of people using it.

The Mission is planning on selling the building and seven jobs are at risk.

Nearly 80 people crowded in the chapel for its last service, which was led by Chaplain John Attenborough and Reverend Mark Warner.

Chaplain Attenborough told the service: “We pray for everyone who has worshipped in this place and for the seafarers that have come into this place.

“We give thanks for all the joyous activities, celebrations and memories that we shared. As we close these doors for the final time today we look to the future.”

Afterwards he said all three charities are working to continue to support sailors through a network of unmanned cabins and drop-in visits.

He said that of the 500,000 seafarers stopping at the port each year – less than two per cent stopped at the building – which he put down due to tighter time constraints.

He said that sailors preferring to go to the city centre as it was closer, while the widespread use of wifi for sailors to contact their families meant very few used the centre’s telephone booths.

Adding that the centre cost £100,000 monthly to run he said: “It has a rich history, but I am excited looking towards the future and our staff will be going onboard the ships more to get in touch with more people.”

Captain Michael Macalpine-Downie was the only serving seaman to attend the memorial – when his ship the Leo Leader docked in the city yesterday.

The deep sea pilot said: “It’s very sad.

“It is a safe place where sailors can feel equal no matter their race or religion.”

Retired master mariner Captain Norman Halford, 78, from Fair Oak, who served on a range of ships – including oil tankers said: “I can understand the economics but it was always welcoming and comfortable and these are facilities which will not be available in future.”

Sylvia Meyrick, 83, a former chairwoman of the mission’s Women’s Guild who has volunteered there since a five-year-old said: “This has been a big part of my life.

“I’m extremely sad because it used to be so busy and I have so many memories.”

The original service launched its first centre in a converted house in Town Quay in 1884 and moved to the Queen’s Terrace building in 1936 Mission to Seamen, as it was then known, campaigned for better working conditions and cared for retired sailors and lonely wives.

Unmanned cabins at Southampton Docks and Fawley will remain open.