A chapel, especially one for sailors, converted from an old ship.
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.