seamen's bethel

Herman Melville is a name you will here a lot when traveling around the historical part of New Bedford - since it was the whaling capital of the world at one time, and because his famous novel, Moby Dick, begins in New Bedford (before they head out to Nantucket). This place is great to walk around and see, a very cute little chapel. Two of my cousin's were married here and they had great small ceremonies and took pictures on the mock-ship across the street at the Whaling Museum.

The Seaman's Bethel is one of the greatest treasures of the New Bedford historic district. The marble cenotaphs remembering whalemen lost at sea so long ago and the framed names of those lost at sea in the modern era make this a must see on any visit to the nations #1 fishing port. Made famous in the movie Moby Dick starring Gregory Peck and a younger Richard Basehart, this hallowed hall harkens back to a time when hearty seafarers invested not days at sea but often year long trips in search of the wealth that the oil from the whale would bring. Lucem diffundo........part of the city seal in latin meaning "WE LIGHT THE WORLD" refers to the time when New Bedford was the wealthiest city in the nation per capita due to the value of whale oil and the manufacture of candles made from that oil. The who's who list of prominent figures that set their feet on New Bedford streets during it's heyday is remarkable. From Abraham Lincoln, Ulysseus S. Grant, and Daniel Webster, to Frederick Douglass, Hermann Melville, and yes....even an acting troupe that included John Wilkes Booth that performed in the city, the list is long and varied. Even Mark Twain was a visitor to nearby Fairhaven and the Delano's (yes Franklin Roosevelts relatives) also had a home in the area. New Bedford and The Seaman's Bethel is a must visit destination or a great day stop if you're on your way to Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. This is my hometown and it is something that I cherish deeply. I actually have a family member that was lost at sea and whose name adorns one of the cenotaphs here. It's MY PLACE to visit and remember him often like many other people from New Bedford do in memory of their loved ones.

After learning about the whaling business from both of the museums in town, this to me brought it all home. So many lives lost, reading the cenotaphs & realizing this is all that the families had left of their loved ones. A sobering reminder of life back then. If I remember correctly Bethel means house of God (Beth El). The church is upstairs & a gathering place/school room was downstairs. They did try to educate some of the sailors (they were a rowdy lot). Interesting place to see if you are interested in the whaling aspect of New Bedford or of Herman Melville, you can sit in his pew.You are given an information sheet as you walk in, this can also be used to fan yourself, cause it's hot, a realistic touch perhaps?A donation is requested & there are a few things to purchase to support their efforts.

When you step through the doors, you can't help but think of all those men who were lost at sea. They are honored on the walls of this place. It is a quiet place to reflect. It is very unique and you should visit while you are in the area visiting the Whaling Museum.

We definitely wanted to see the pulpit like shown in Moby Dick. Of course it was added on after the film but it was still very cool to see it. The woman volunteer on Wednesday after Labor Day was incredible and so helpful. She even took photos of us together in front of the pulpit and sitting at Herman Melville's pew. A lot of history here and worth the donation to enter and look around. Combining this with the Whaling Museum is easy to accomplish since they are so close together.

This was an interesting stop while exploring the Historical section of New Bedford. You get a realistic sense of the sea mans life. A building that pays tribute and gives you a sense of history of the whalers profession. Very nicely done!

A visit to the Bethel is like going back to the days when men sailed off hunting whales in all parts of the world. Very nice tribute to the seamen who lost their lives at sea.

I nearly missed this sight and yet it was my favorite destination in New Bedford. It's a simple and unassuming church with plaques honoring the sailors (some of whom were teens) that died on a fishing expedition. The pulpit, that is shaped like a ship's bow, set in a stark room is so well done.

Good historical setting. The Seaman's Bethel has some great stories within, most of them tragic sea stories. Whaling paraphernalia, including the pew where Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick, sat.

Enjoyed walking through the Seamen's Chapel while in New Bedford, MA. The young man that greeted us at the entrance was very friendly and informative. Touching to see all the memorial plaques in the chapel to honor men lost at sea over the years. Always good to see history preserved so well for the present and future generations to learn from and enjoy. Also, there was not cost, but would be good to have some cash on hand to give as a donation to continue with upkeep.

Beautifully restored building.... Fascinating stories told on the framed "obituaries" of many whalers & fishermen lost . Souvineer scallop shell for donation.

-Ducked in for about 15 minutes--definitely worth the visit. Volunteer took me up to the chapel which featured a beautiful ship's bow for the pulpit. Most interesting were the semitaphs on the wall--most were pretty "standard" honoring those lost at sea, but a few clearly had some amazing tales behind them. -Unfortunately, the Seamen's Bethel has been without a chaplain for a number of years, and does not offer Sunday services.-A beautiful building honoring "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters."

Definitely worth a visit. Quick self guided tour. See Melville's pew. Admission free when we went but leave a donation.

The Bethel plays a prominent role in Moby Dick, and is a living memorial to the many sailors who have died at sea. You won't need to spend a lot of time here, but it is right across the street from the Whaling Museum and definitely worth the visit.

We were very pleased we visited the Seaman's Bethel, as we learnt a lot about the local history of whaling, especially how dangerous it was and how the whalers often risked their lives when they embarked on their search for the whales. This wonderful little Bethel, where many whalers used to come and pray before they set sail, primed us for spotting the Widow's Walks built on top of some of the old, Cape-style houses nearby, which was where the wives of mariners watched for their husbands' return, sometimes in vain. Great, sobering stories to help you get a feel for the dangerous lives many local people led at the beginning of the last century.