Discover the Spiritual and Sacred Side of New Bedford, MA: Top Places to Explore

New Bedford, Massachusetts is a city that has long been known for its history as a whaling center. However, what many visitors may not realize is that its also home to a vibrant spiritual community and numerous sacred spaces waiting to be explored.

One such space is the Seamens Bethel (15 Johnny Cake Hill), which was prominently featured in Herman Melvilles MobyDick. This nauticalthemed chapel dates back to 1832 and features plaques commemorating local seafarers who have lost their lives at sea. Visitors can sit in the wooden pews and reflect on those who came before us, or explore the museum upstairs which houses artifacts from New Bedfords rich whaling history.

For something completely different yet equally meaningful, head over to Our Lady of Angels Cemetery (1389 Ashley Blvd). Here youll find an unusual shrine dedicated entirely to St. Anthony patron saint of lost things! Its believed by some devotees that if you leave a small item at his feet while making your request, he will help guide you towards finding whatever it is youve lost. The surrounding cemetery is also worth exploring; complete with beautiful statuary featuring lovely angels watching over gravesites scattered amongst welltended gardens.

Another interesting place worth visiting would be the RotchJonesDuff House & Garden Museum (396 County St) which preserves two centuries of SouthCoast life inside one sprawling mansion with manicured gardens out front including exotic plants collected from around the world by whalers wives left behind during long voyages across oceans. The house itself was built in 1834 as part of Thurston Wharf Company for family members taking turns supervising whale ships returning laden with oil or producing goods like barrels used by sailors onboard ship without sterile conditions so often we need time machines!

Lastly, if youre looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, head to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Fairhaven (102 Green St). This church features a stunning sanctuary complete with beautiful stainedglass windows that depict nature scenes such as mountains, forests and waterfalls. The adjacent labyrinth garden is also worth exploring its designed as an outdoor meditation space which can help visitors achieve inner peace.

Overall, New Bedford has something special to offer every spiritual seeker. From its maritime heritage to its diverse religious landscape, there truly is no shortage of inspiring spaces worth visiting in this coastal city.

Websites:

Seamens Bethel: whalingmuseum.org/visit/seamensbethel

Our Lady of Angels Cemetery: diocfr.org/getattachment/Ministries/CemeteriesandBurialServices/CemeteryMapsandGuides/OLoftheAngelsNewBedford.aspx

RotchJonesDuff House & Garden Museum: rjdmuseum.org/

Unitarian Universalist Society of Fairhaven: uufairhaven.org