1912 – 1918
Prior to his attendance to the Seamen’s Bethel, George grew up in the city of New Bedford while whaling fueled the economy. Competition among fellow merchants was fierce as George and his father William integrated themselves into John Avery Parker’s company. After John’s passing, George and his father inherited the business where they handled the ongoing tasks such as the discharging of ships along with ensuring the quality of whale oil and whale bone that returned to New Bedford.
Years later when George stood as an independent merchant, tensions grew overseas as maintaining whaling vessels became unfortunately political. An American whaling bark called the Cape Horn Pigeon was sent out from local waters contracted by George. The Cape Horn made its way to the Okhotsk Sea after a few months into her journey when the unexpected occurred. According to the U.S. Department of State, the Cape Horn was arrested and seized “by an armed vessel of the Imperial Russian Government and taken to Vladivostok.” Word spread of the capture, causing worry and panic. The crew was held as prisoners and the damages equated to about $45,000. Thankfully after years of communication and negotiation, George worked along with government officials to return the New Bedford whalers back home and received restitution for all those involved.
Once the Cape Horn Pigeon was resolved, George found himself attending the Seamen’s Bethel more frequently in his later years. His reputation was known throughout all of New England and only a few months later did he become president of the New Bedford Port Society. To this day, we value George and his dedication to not only our historic church but to the locals of greater New Bedford as well.