In the mid-1800s, a small coastal town named Port Vesper was renowned for its eccentric traditions and vibrant community spirit. The town’s founder, Captain Silas Darnley, was a retired naval officer who had a flair for the dramatic. Upon his passing, the townsfolk wanted to honor his larger-than-life persona in a way that befit his adventurous spirit.
During his funeral, as the procession reached the cliff overlooking the sea, a local inventor named Thaddeus Goldsworth proposed a unique tribute: launching Captain Darnley’s casket from a cannon. The idea was met with a mix of laughter and hesitation, but ultimately, the townspeople agreed, believing that such a send-off would align with the captain’s bold character.
As the cannon fired, the casket soared through the air, creating a stunning spectacle against the backdrop of the setting sun. The townspeople erupted in cheers, celebrating the captain's final voyage as his casket splashed into the ocean. This remarkable event marked the birth of what would come to be known as “Skyward Service.”