Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting

About

A Quaker community who has built a new meetinghouse with a James Turrell Skyspace: an oasis for people of all faiths to sit together in quiet contemplation

Story

Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting (CHFM) is a Quaker community in northwest Philadelphia, which has embarked upon an extraordinary outreach project: a new meetinghouse for Friends, the local community, the Philadelphia region, and beyond. Incorporating a contemporary art installation -- a Skyspace by James Turrell, this “green” building is home to the growing Friends meeting, facilitating enhanced social justice activities and attracting those who value quiet contemplation, the environment, the arts and a vibrant community.

This 21st Century meetinghouse continues a 350-year-old Philadelphia tradition begun by William Penn by offering a safe and welcoming place for people of all faiths to gather for quiet reflection, worship and fellowship. In addition, it is an educational resource for green living, demonstrating up-to-date ways of conserving energy and living in harmony with the natural world. The new meetinghouse is located at 20 East Mermaid Lane in Chestnut Hill. Gifts from meeting members, friends, neighbors, and funders helped make this building a reality.

Of course, all are welcome to join us for silent worship during Quaker meetings on Sunday mornings at 10.30 a.m., or to visit when we host among other things: Mount Airy Learning Tree continued education classes; election day polling; or, mindfulness meditation seminars.