Welcome to Gwynedd Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends—a spiritual home to generations of Friends (Quakers) since 1699. The traditional Quaker building (rebuilt on the site in 1823 with later additions) lies on 13 acres with native gardens, a labyrinth, open green space, and burial grounds.
With hearts of compassion and openness, we invite all visitors into our silent worship, contemplating the shared movement of Spirit among us and living shared testimonies, most notably those of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship.
Gwynedd Friends is an unprogrammed, non-pastoral meeting, holding worship in person and online on Sunday mornings (hybrid technology) and Wednesday evenings (Zoom only). A path from the parking lot to the meeting room and nearby restroom is wheel-chair accessible, and hearing devices are available during worship.
Meetings for Worship
Visitors can join Friends in worship by quietly entering the hall a few minutes before the time set to begin (9:30 AM on Sundays), settling silently into a stillness that continues in deep spiritual gathering during the next hour. Vocal ministry is just as likely to bring occasional brief Spirit-led messages to the entire meeting. Children and the young often worship the first 15 minutes together with adults and then withdraw to participate in educational activities (September to May).
A designated person will signal the end of silent worship, beginning a few minutes of greetings, concerns, celebrations, introductions, and announcements. Visitors also are welcomed personally at rise (end) of meeting. Additional sponsored activities generally follow, allowing time for sharing, business, or other social activities. For example, a social time for Food and Fellowship usually follows worship on the second Sunday of the month (September through May). Check the calendar here.
In an Open and Diverse Community
Friends bring diverse perspectives in religious experiences that enrich our community. Participation also encourages diversity of abilities, age, ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation. No formal creed or authority exists other than individual continual revelation. Community relationships are based on seeing “that of God” in each person, under whatever name resonates within them—the Inner Light, Spirit of Truth, the Divine Presence, the Seed, the Inner Teacher, are among those heard.
Gwynedd Friends Meeting activities bear witness to our core beliefs through direct action on a variety of social concerns, including sustainability, housing the homeless, and standing vigils for peace. We work locally, nationally, and internationally on these and other issues relevant today. Learn more about connections you can make.
Planning a visit?
Visit and join in worship, sharing, outreach, and adult and youth educational programs in the meeting house located across the street from the William Penn Inn at 1101 DeKalb Pike (Route 202, off Sumneytown Pike), Gwynedd, PA 19454, near a SEPTA #96 bus stop.
If you are requesting an appointment or a special visit to the grounds, please check availability during weekday hours, which are restricted because Gwynedd Friends School (for pre-school through kindergarten) uses the building and grounds during the week.
Links You May Need:
Childcare and Youth programs
Contacts/Directions
Frequently Asked Questions
Gwynedd History
Zoom Connections