Quakerism Beginnings

The beginnings of Quakerism to today

A black and white portrait of george fox wearing a hat and tie.

The Religious Society of Friends came into being during the turmoil of 17th-century England. Both political and religious structures in English society had been torn asunder, and the people had grave concerns about what the future would hold for the world. The founder of what became the Society of Friends, George Fox (1624-1691), made a long and lonely search for religious truth. 

In his early 20s, Fox was journeying around England, conversing with many to find himself. Family members wanted him to become a preacher, and many that he met placed pressures on him to convert to some kind of faith. Among his thoughts during this time, include

In his early 20s, Fox was journeying around England, conversing with many to find himself. Family members wanted him to become a preacher, and many that he met placed pressures on him to convert to some kind of faith. Among his thoughts during this time, include

But the Lord showed me, so that I did see clearly, that he  did not dwell in these temples which men had commanded 

and set up, but in people’s hearts; for both Stephen and  the Apostle Paul bore testimony that he did not dwell in temples made with hands, not even in that which he had once commanded to be built, since he put an end to it; but that his people were his temple, and he dwelt in them.



I met with a sort of people that held women have no souls, adding in a light manner, no more than a goose. But I reproved them and told them that was not right, for Mary said, ‘ My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.’

One day, George Fox felt overcome with the sense of the presence and guidance of God, communicating with him directly, in a way that was as real to him as would be any other information gained through his senses. This presence was not required to be transmitted through the mediation of a clergyman, canon, or other religious authority. He wrote in his journal :

At another time, as I was walking in a field on a First-day morning, the Lord opened unto me that being bred at Oxford or Cambridge was not enough to fit and qualify men to be ministers of Christ; and I stranged  at it because it was the common belief of people. 

But as I had forsaken all the priests, so I left the separate preachers also, and those called the most experienced people; for I saw there was none among them all that could speak to my condition. And when all my hopes in them and in all men were gone, so that I had nothing outwardly to help me, nor could tell what to do, then. Oh then, I heard a voice which said, ‘There is one, even Christ Jesus, that can speak to thy condition ’, and when I heard it my heart did leap for joy. Then the Lord did let me see why there was none upon the earth that could speak to my condition, namely, that I might give him all the glory; for all are concluded under sin, and shut up in unbelief as I had been, that Jesus Christ might have the pre-eminence, who enlightens, and gives grace, and faith, and power. Thus, when God doth work who shall let' it ? And this I knew experimentally. 

The beginning of Friends practice were planted -  the ability for God to speak to people directly without the need of a professional clergy, the equality of women, the light of God in everyone.

Merion Friends Meeting Today

Two girls are sitting on the floor talking to each other.

We invite you to Merion Friends Meeting and hope that you will join us in our Meeting for Worship (Sundays, 11 am - 12 noon). A Friends Meeting is a supportive community for its members, but we also consider a it to be a spiritual resource for the community at large. You may come as often or as infrequently as you wish. You may wish to become familiar with Quakerism ahead of time, or you may come with no other preparation than a willingness to join us in silence, with openness to allow the Inner Light to inspire and perhaps to change you.


Friends (or Quakers) grew out of the Christian tradition, but we have no written creed or fixed statement of belief. Our faith is that God's loving guidance is as directly available to us today as it was to the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles of Biblical times. Both as individuals and as meetings we try to be open to the leadings of the Holy Spirit, to follow the paths of God according to the measure of Light given to each. Quakerism over the years has adapted readily to modern science, as it has no need to persist in prescribing dogma that cannot be reconciled with new empirical evidence. There are Quakers at Merion Meeting who self-identify as Christian, non-Christian, atheist, and agnostic.
Two women are holding a large quilt in their hands.

Friends in the Philadelphia area follow the traditional "unprogrammed" form of worship: we settle into silence, with no pastor, no music, no order of service, not even any formal process to begin the meeting itself. We gather, find seats, and wait together, seeking to feel the presence within of the Living Christ -- "the true Light that enlightens everyone." Anyone in the meeting may be inspired to share aloud a message, a prayer, a heartfelt concern. Sometimes no one will be led to speak -- but even a wholly silent meeting may leave us deeply moved and closely gathered.


Out of our beliefs and experiences come "concerns," and from our concerns testimonies: for reform of prisons and the criminal justice system; for minority and women's rights; for quality education for all children; for fair business practices and a just economy; for simplicity in life and conduct; above all for peace -- in the community, in the nation, in the world -- based not on political and military power, but in love and acceptance of our common heritage as God's children. For us, true religion expresses itself not in theology or creed, but in faith and practice, rooted in the shared experience of the Meeting for Worship.
A group of people are standing in a room talking to each other.

The close of the Meeting for Worship is signaled when we turn to one another and shake hands, both to thank each other for joining in worship and to remind ourselves that the community we have felt there continues throughout the week.


We hope that you will feel drawn into the love and power of God when you visit. If you have comments or questions about Friends, about our beliefs and testimonies, and about the meeting or the meetinghouse, any one of us will gladly talk with you at the close of Meeting for Worship.

Friends (or Quakers) grew out of the Christian tradition, but we have no written creed or fixed statement of belief. Our faith is that God's loving guidance is as directly available to us today as it was to the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles of Biblical times. Both as individuals and as meetings we try to be open to the leadings of the Holy Spirit, to follow the paths of God according to the measure of Light given to each. Quakerism over the years has adapted readily to modern science, as it has no need to persist in prescribing dogma that cannot be reconciled with new empirical evidence. There are Quakers at Merion Meeting who self-identify as Christian, non-Christian, atheist, and agnostic.
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