Bethlehem in Grafton County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)

Jodo Karate

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 8, 2017

1. Jodo Karate Marker

Inscription.
Built as a Congregational Church in 1877 by the founding group of eight members, the building became the Maplewood Lodge I.O.O.F. in 1940. It has also served as the Rebekah Lodge. A beautiful three faced clock kept village residents apprised of the correct time for generations. In 1997, the building was purchased and renovated for the purpose of teaching the ancient art of Bushido. This art involves the spiritual part of karate which teaches connecting with the mind, body and spirit.

This plaque donated by Sensei Joseph Simard

Erected by Bethlehem Redevelopment Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.

Location. 44° 16.881′ N, 71° 41.222′ W. Marker is in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, in Grafton County. Marker is on Maple Street (New Hampshire Route 142) 0.1 miles north of Main Street (U.S. 302), on the right when traveling north. Marker is located near the street, in front of the subject building, at the parking lot entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 42 Maple Street, Bethlehem NH 03574, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Town Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Sinclair Hotel

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(about 500 feet away); Sinclair Lodge (about 800 feet away); Angel of the Mountains (approx. ¼ mile away); Fanny’s Little Playhouse (approx. 2.4 miles away); Frances Glessner Lee (approx. 2.4 miles away); Pierce Bridge (approx. 2.9 miles away); Alderbrook (approx. 3.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bethlehem.

More about this marker. Marker is somewhat weathered and difficult to read.

Also see . . . Bethlehem Heritage Society: History - Churches. Society website entry:
(This link includes a photograph of the Congregational Church as it looked in 1877.)
Early history indicates that a Baptist Church was formed in 1800, a Congregational Church in 1802 and a Free Will Baptist Church in 1813. The first edifice devoted to religious purposes in Bethlehem was built by the Congregationalists and Methodists around 1825. In 1831, the Methodists erected a church of their own and it was on the site of the present Methodist church. The Congregationalists resigned their church in 1853 and had their services on alternate Sundays at the Methodist Church. When the

Jodo Karate Marker (<i>wide view; marker visible near street at right</i>) image. Click for full size.

2. Jodo Karate Marker (wide view; marker visible near street at right)

Congregationalists were using the Methodist church the building was materially renovated and improved. It continued as a Union Church for quite some time. (Submitted on April 17, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

1877 Congregational Chuch Building (<i>side view; marker just out of sight at left</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 8, 2017

3. 1877 Congregational Chuch Building (side view; marker just out of sight at left)

1877 Congregational Chuch Building (<i>front view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 8, 2017

4. 1877 Congregational Chuch Building (front view)

1877 Congregational Chuch Building (<i>corner view highlighting clocktower</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 8, 2017

5. 1877 Congregational Chuch Building (corner view highlighting clocktower)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 164 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 17, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.