Seamens Bethel

Seamen's Bethel

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740

Significance:

Bethel

Designation:

National Historical Landmark

Amenities

5 listed

Accessible Rooms, Elevator, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board

About

The Seamen’s Bethel was opened in 1832 by wealthy Quakers concerned with the spiritual well-being of mariners in New Bedford. The Seamen’s Bethel became famous when depicted as the “Whalemen’s Chapel” in Herman Melville’s 1851 novel, Moby-Dick; or, The Whale. The Seamen’s Bethel is open to the public and is still used for regular services, weddings, funerals, and other religious activities.

History

As the whaling industry grew, the number of seamen in Bedford Village ranged from 5,000 to 10,000 — nearly equaling the population of the village! Their lives, however, vastly contrasted those of locals. 
 
Whalemen sought out gambling dens, brothels, saloons, and dance halls. Leading citizens observed that these establishments were “detrimental to the dignity and good order of our community.” Additionally, Quaker whaling merchants were concerned that whalemen spent the wages of a multi-year voyage in just a few days on such pursuits, leaving them broke and without means of support. 
 
In response, town citizens met in 1830 to discuss the situation. The resulting New Bedford Port Society for the Moral Improvement of Seamen was organized. They immediately offered church services to whalemen before they shipped out on whaling voyages. Services were held either at the waterfront or in the Town Hall. Between the impracticality of waterfront services and the difficulty of constantly arranging to use the Town Hall, the Port Society concluded that they needed their own building. In 1832, the Seamen’s Bethel was dedicated as a nondenominational church and serves today in that capacity. 
 
The term “bethel” comes from two Hebrew words, “Beth” and “El.” Beth means “House” and El means “God,” so it is a Seamen’s House of God or a Seamen’s Church.