bethel

plural bethels

1. A holy place.
2. A chapel, especially one for sailors, converted from an old ship.

   Six thousand of this number constitute the seafaring portion of the floating population of New York and Brooklyn, and for their particular accommodation there are, of mission stations and bethels, fifteen places that invite the sailor to hear the Word of God.

   1866, W. D. Bridge, L. A. Bosworth, editors, Methodist Centenary Convention: A Phonographic Report of the Debates and Addresses, B. B. Russell & Co., page 213

   2 more examples

   1867, The Sailor's Magazine, Volumes 29-30, The American Seamen's Friend Society, page 196, Under the care of this body are two Floating Bethels, one in the East and the other in the North River, a "Missionary at large," and the "New Sailor's Home," 338 Pearl Street. The average attendance at the Bethels is about 110 each.

   Bethels would be opened in all ports to provide sailors with facilities to shield them from the pervasive temptations of alcohol and prostitution. Once in the Bethels, the sailors would receive regular exposure to Christian doctrine and be encouraged to fulfill their religious duties daily, both in port and at sea.

   2010, Peter P. Hinks, To Awaken My Afflicted Brethren, Penn State University Press, page 147

3. A chapter of Job's Daughters International.

plural bethels

1. alternativeAlternative form of baetyl (“sacred stone”).

1. An ancient town in Palestine, generally identified with modern Beitin in the West Bank; the site of Abraham's first altar.
2. Any of several places in the United States:
   1. The largest city in western Alaska.
   2. A census area in Alaska, which includes the city.
   3. A ghost town in Madera County, California.
   4. A town in Fairfield County, Connecticut.
   5. A town in Sussex County, Delaware.
   6. An unincorporated community in Wakulla County, Florida.
   7. An unincorporated community in Delaware County, Indiana.
   8. An unincorporated community in Wayne County, Indiana.
   9. A town in Oxford County, Maine.
   10. A tiny city in Anoka County, Minnesota.
   11. A village in Shelby County, Missouri.
   12. A town in Sullivan County, New York.
   13. A hamlet in Dutchess County, New York.
   14. A town in Pitt County, North Carolina.
   15. A village in Clermont County, Ohio.
   16. An unincorporated community in Comanche County, Oklahoma.
   17. A rural unincorporated community in McCurtain County, Oklahoma.
   18. A neighborhood of Eugene, Oregon.
   19. An unincorporated community in Polk County, Oregon.
   20. An unincorporated community in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
   21. An unincorporated community in Wayne County, Pennsylvania.
   22. A ghost town in York County, South Carolina.
   23. An unincorporated community in Anderson County, Texas.
   24. An unincorporated community in Henderson County, Texas.
   25. A town in Windsor County, Vermont.
   26. An unincorporated community in Clarke County, Virginia.
   27. A census-designated place in Kitsap County, Washington.
   28. An unincorporated community in Wood County, Wisconsin.
   29. A number of townships in the United States, listed under Bethel Township.
3. A small village in Bodorgan community, Anglesey, Wales (OS grid ref SH3970).