Seamen's Bethel, Maritime chapel in New Bedford, United States
The Seamen's Bethel features memorial tablets on its walls commemorating sailors who perished at sea during whaling expeditions across different centuries.
The New Bedford Port Society established this chapel in 1832 to provide spiritual support for sailors before their extended maritime voyages.
Herman Melville referenced this chapel in Moby-Dick as the Whaleman's Chapel, incorporating it into American maritime literature of the 19th century.
The chapel opens Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM and accepts reservations for weddings, christenings, and memorial services.
The ship-shaped pulpit, added in 1961, reflects the maritime connection and responds to visitors expecting the design described in Moby-Dick.
Location: New Bedford
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Part of: New Bedford Historic District
GPS coordinates: 41.63556,-70.92389
Latest update: May 17, 2025 10:26
New Bedford Whaling Museum
64 m
Effie M. Morrissey
322 m
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
46 m
Nathan and Mary Johnson properties
499 m
New Bedford Historic District
39 m
New Bedford – Fairhaven Bridge
669 m
Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum
694 m
Sgt. William H. Carney House
793 m
Palmer Island Light
1.6 km
William J. Rotch Gothic Cottage
911 m
Moreland Terrace Historic District
1.4 km
Fairhaven Bridge Light
722 m
Central New Bedford Historic District
307 m
Acushnet Heights Historic District
1.5 km
United States Customhouse
76 m
Union Baptist Church
914 m
County Street Historic District
782 m
New Bedford Gas and Edison Light Complex
631 m
First Baptist Church
382 m
Merrill's Wharf Historic District
377 m
North Bedford Historic District
748 m
Old Third District Courthouse
0 m
New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal
1.5 km
Robert C. Ingraham School
1.7 km
Thomas Donaghy School
1.1 km
Thompson Street School
1.6 km
Ezekiel Sawin House
1.6 km
Zeiterion Theatre
283 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes