bethel
n. countable C2 Proficiency US //ˈbɛˌθɛɫ// UK //bˈɛθəl// bethel
n. a holy place or a house of prayer. It is also a name used for some chapels or churches, especially for sailors.
n. a place of worship or a hallowed site. Historically refers to a nonconformist chapel or a dedicated place of prayer for seamen.
The old bethel near the harbor still serves the local sailors.
The community gathered at the small stone bethel to offer thanks for the safe return of the fishing fleet.
In the nineteenth century, many port cities established a bethel to provide spiritual guidance and temporary lodging for transient mariners far from their home parishes.
Usage
Often used as a proper noun when naming a specific chapel or religious building.