bethel

From Hebrew ⁧בֵּית אֵל⁩ (beth el, literally “house of God”). See also Bethel on Wikipedia.Wikipedia .

bethel (plural bethels)

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

     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.

   • 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.

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

     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.

3. A chapter of Job's Daughters International.

bethel (plural bethels)

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