1830 – 1850
Samuel served as president of the New Bedford Port Society from 1830 to 1850 and was instrumental in shaping our church into what it is today. He brought leadership and vision during the early years of the Seamen’s Bethel while providing funding not only to the church, but to other historical buildings as well.
Samuel’s father passed down useful advice to him and his brothers, turning them also into merchants, bankers, and financial supporters. With these skills in mind, Samuel was able to not only fund whaling voyages but also contribute to local mills such as the Wamsutta Mill. It was clever and supporting acts like these that made Samuel Rodman more than suitable to lead the Seamen’s Bethel as its first president.