The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Bethel \Beth"el\ (b[e^]th"[e^]l), n. [Heb. b[=e]th-el house of God.] [1913 Webster] 1. A place of worship; a hallowed spot. --S. F. Adams. [1913 Webster] 2. A chapel for dissenters. [Eng.] [1913 Webster] 3. A house of worship for seamen. [1913 Webster]WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
bethel n 1: a house of worship (especially one for sailors)