Philadelphia Monthly Meeting

Philadelphia Monthly Meeting is a Quaker meeting that has been in existence since 1682, with its roots in the Society of Friends founded by George Fox in England. The meeting has a rich history, with notable members such as William Penn, who played a significant role in the founding of Pennsylvania. The meeting is part of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, which is one of the oldest and largest Quaker organizations in the United States. The meeting has been influenced by various Quaker leaders, including John Woolman and Lucretia Mott.

● History

The history of the meeting dates back to the early days of Quakerism in America, with the first meetinghouse being built in 1693 in Philadelphia. The meeting has been involved in various social and political movements, including the Abolitionist Movement and the Women's Suffrage Movement, with members such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton playing key roles. The meeting has also been influenced by other Quaker meetings, such as the New York Monthly Meeting and the Baltimore Monthly Meeting. Notable events, including the American Revolution and the Civil War, have shaped the meeting's history and activities, with members such as Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln contributing to the meeting's development.

● Organization

The meeting is organized into various committees, including the Ministry and Counsel Committee and the Oversight Committee, which are responsible for the spiritual and administrative aspects of the meeting. The meeting is also part of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, which provides support and guidance to the meeting. The meeting has a strong connection with other Quaker organizations, including the American Friends Service Committee and the Friends Committee on National Legislation. The meeting's organization is influenced by the principles of Quakerism, including the importance of consensus decision-making and the role of the clerk in facilitating the meeting's business.

● Meetings and Activities

The meeting holds regular worship services and business meetings, which are open to all members and attendees. The meeting also hosts various activities, including workshops and retreats, which focus on topics such as spiritual growth and social justice. The meeting has a strong connection with other Quaker meetings and organizations, including the Pendle Hill Quaker Center for Study and Contemplation and the Quaker United Nations Office. The meeting's activities are influenced by the principles of Quakerism, including the importance of simplicity and the role of community in supporting the meeting's members.

● Notable Members

The meeting has had many notable members throughout its history, including William Penn, John Woolman, and Lucretia Mott. Other notable members include Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Alice Paul, who were all involved in the Women's Suffrage Movement. The meeting has also been influenced by other notable Quaker leaders, including George Fox, Margaret Fell, and Robert Barclay. The meeting's members have been involved in various social and political movements, including the Abolitionist Movement and the Civil Rights Movement, with members such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks contributing to the meeting's development.

● Architecture and Facilities

The meeting's current meetinghouse, located in Philadelphia, was built in 1812 and features a unique Quaker architecture style. The meetinghouse has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including a major renovation in 1990. The meetinghouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered a significant example of Quaker architecture in the United States. The meetinghouse has been influenced by other notable Quaker meetinghouses, including the Arch Street Meeting House and the Merion Meeting House.

● Community Involvement

The meeting is actively involved in the local Philadelphia community, with members participating in various volunteer and community service activities. The meeting has a strong connection with other local organizations, including the Philadelphia Interfaith Coalition and the Philadelphia Community Development Corporation. The meeting's community involvement is influenced by the principles of Quakerism, including the importance of social justice and the role of community in supporting the meeting's members. The meeting has also been involved in various local initiatives, including the Philadelphia Food Bank and the Philadelphia Homeless Shelter, with members such as Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela contributing to the meeting's development. Category:Quaker meetings