.....From
the Federal Hill steps walk left on Grindall just a short
stone’s throw where it ends at Covington Street.Turn right (south) on Covington and walk one block to
Cross Street, where you will make a right turn.The building three doors down, on the right side, at
454 Cross, is the Sailors Union Bethel Methodist Church.It was called the Ship Church when it was built in
1873.
The
congregation had its beginnings in 1846 when Captain Samuel
Kramer established a church on the wrecked hull of a ship
named the William Penn. It was anchored in the water opposite
the McCormick Spice Plant on Light Street until 1853 when it
was condemned as unsafe.Once the congregation of wayward sailors and those who
were interested in them raised enough money they bought the
building at 454 Cross Street and converted it into a place of
worship.
Spear's
Wharf - William Penn
Federal
Hill in the Background
In
years gone by, Smokey’s Bar, which catered specifically to
salty dogs, conveniently occupied the building at the corner
of Cross and Covington.Though
Smokey’s is long since departed, sailors from all over the
world still are still welcome to worship here every Sunday.The exterior of the church was renovated by Streuver
Brothers and Eccles in 1976 as part ofthe
celebration of the Ship Church’s 130th Anniversary.
The
congregation had its beginnings in 1846 when Captain Samuel
Kramer established a church on the wrecked hull of a ship
named the William Penn. It was anchored in the water opposite
the McCormick Spice Plant on Light Street until 1853 when it
was condemned as unsafe.
