New Bedford in Bristol County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Seamen’s Bethel
Photographed by Don Morfe, September 15, 1998
1. Seamen’s Bethel Marker
“In the same New Bedford there stands a whaleman’s chapel and few are the moody fisherman, shortly bound for the Indian or Pacific Oceans who failed to make a Sunday visit to this spot.” Moby Dick.
(Marker on the right side of the door)
Chapel
of
Herman Melvilles
Moby Dick
Office
Mariners Home.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 41° 38.102′ N, 70° 55.417′ W. Marker is in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in Bristol County. It is on Johnny Cake Hill. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford MA 02740, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the South Coast. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The Seamen's Bethel (a few steps from this marker); A Tribute of Respect to Enterprising Whalemen (a few steps from this marker); Viking (a few steps from this marker); The Mariner's Home (a few steps from this marker); Preserving Whaling's Legacy (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain Paul Cuffe
this page online
Photographed by Don Morfe, September 15, 1998
2. Seamen’s Bethel-Inside the Chapel
Marker inside the chapel-(Heading) For more than a century and half this chapel has served mariners from all over the world.
Photographed by Don Morfe, September 15, 1998
3. Moby Dick Sign
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 15, 2025
4. Seamen’s Bethel Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 15, 2025
5. Seamen’s Bethel Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 15, 2025
6. Seamen’s Bethel Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 455 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 23, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 27, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
