History
Step back in time to the late 1600s when Quakers, also known as “Friends,” first planted their roots in South Jersey. The fertile lands of the Medford area were home to many Quaker farmers, and the seeds of a unique community began to sprout.
In 1759, and the Quakers started gathering for worship in Medford, then known as Upper Evesham. Before the construction of the iconic L-shaped frame meetinghouse in 1762, meetings might have taken place in the cozy confines of private homes.
50 years later, the Quakers realized they needed a more spacious haven for their gatherings. On February 15, 1815, they stepped into a brand-new meetinghouse, its construction still underway as Friends skillfully navigated a plank from the curb to the door!
Concerns about fire safety led the trustees to invest $1,000 in a fire engine, complete with $8 leather buckets strategically hung on a fence near the firehouse. This fire-safety setup still stands on the northeast corner of the property today, next to a timeless well.
But the Medford Quaker Meeting wasn’t just a place of worship—it was a hub for education. During an era when admitting female students was a rarity, Quakers welcomed women into their educational institution. Schoolhouses sprung up at various locations, promoting learning in Medford, Fostertown, Southampton, Hartford, and at the intersection of Church and Eayrestown roads. A fund for each school aimed to provide scholarships for underprivileged children.
Fast forward to 1958 when the Meetinghouse got a fresh coat of paint and some repairs, and 1959 saw the installation of modern oil heating, bidding farewell to the old stove that had stood in the center aisle for decades.
In the present day, the Medford Quaker Meeting thrives. If you’re a newcomer, you’re not just welcome; you’re encouraged to join the Meeting for Worship every Sunday at 10 AM. Bring the kids along—there’s an active ‘First Day School’ (Sunday School) during the meeting.
You're Always Welcome
Delve into the rich history of the Medford Quaker Meeting through two captivating booklets chronicling the 1914 Centennial and 2014 Bicentennial. Grab your own copies at the Meetinghouse or shoot an email to medfordfriendsmeeting@gmail.com or click here.The doors are open, and a warm community beckons. Join the journey!
