Before us stands the Orthodox Friends Church, a testament to a unique chapter in Philadelphia’s religious history. The Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, profoundly shaped the Delaware Valley. Philadelphia even earned the nickname “The Quaker City” because William Penn, a prominent Quaker leader, founded and settled it.
Quakerism arose from George Fox’s teachings. He was a shoemaker’s apprentice who believed anyone could access divine revelation, not just trained priests. Fox preached that Jesus directly taught his people through an “inward light.” Quakers gathered in silent “Meetings for Worship,” believing God could inspire individuals to speak.
Equality was central to the Orthodox Friends Church. They addressed everyone with “thee” and “thou,” regardless of social status. This was a departure from the norm. Quakers adopted “plain dress,” simple clothing that defied fashion as a status symbol. Men even refused to remove their hats for social superiors, challenging established customs.
The Orthodox Friends Church extended equality to women. They believed women could preach with the same authority as men. Women held administrative roles within local congregations or “Meetings.” Their decisions held equal weight to those of the “Men’s Meetings.”
Quakers held distinct beliefs. Their “peace testimony” forbade violence and war. They refused to swear oaths in court, citing Jesus’s prohibition in the New Testament. These differences led Quakers to marry within their group. They expelled members who married non-Quakers.
William Penn envisioned his colony as a “holy experiment.” His laws reflected Quaker values. No oaths were required for court or public office. Quaker marriage ceremonies became legal. Religious liberty was granted to all monotheists because Quakers experienced persecution in England.
Philadelphia became home to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM). PYM connected Quakers across the region. It comprised Quarterly Meetings. These were made up of Monthly Meetings, similar to congregations. Influential Quakers often led in both the church and civil government.
By the 1750s, Quakers faced a dilemma. Their commitment to nonviolence clashed with Pennsylvania politics. The British government demanded Pennsylvania raise an army for the French and Indian War. Some Quaker legislators initially agreed. However, Catherine Payton, an English Quaker minister, urged them to uphold their peace testimony. Many Quakers resigned from the Assembly rather than violate their beliefs.
The American Revolution presented another challenge. Most Quakers refused to participate due to pacifism. Some were expelled from Quaker Meetings for joining the American army. These Quakers formed the Free Quakers, a short-lived denomination.
By the 1700s, some Quakers questioned slavery. Philadelphia Yearly Meeting urged Quakers not to import enslaved people. Influential members like John Woolman and Anthony Benezet condemned slaveholding.
Philadelphia Quakers helped found the first abolitionist organization in 1775. Quakers formed the Society for the Relief of Free Negros Unlawfully Held in Bondage. The society filed lawsuits to free illegally enslaved African Americans. In 1787, the group expanded and became the Pennsylvania Abolition Society.
Quaker women established Philadelphia’s first philanthropic societies. The Female Society for Relief of the Distressed provided clothing, food, and care to the poor. The Aimwell School educated poor girls.
Prison reform was another Quaker concern. In the 1770s, they founded the Philadelphia Society for Relieving Distressed Prisoners. This led to the Walnut Street Jail, the first US “penitentiary.” Prisoners had quiet time for reflection, Bible reading, and visits from church members.
In 1804, the Orthodox Friends Church built a new meetinghouse on Arch Street. Yet, Quakerism soon fractured. Disputes arose between Orthodox and Hicksite factions. The Orthodox emphasized the Bible. Followers of Elias Hicks stressed the “Inward Light.” In 1827, the conflict led to a schism.
The Hicksites built their own meetinghouse. Both sides claimed to be the “true” Quakers. The Orthodox founded Haverford College. Hicksites established Swarthmore College. Decades later, the Orthodox helped found Bryn Mawr College.
In 1955, the Orthodox and Hicksite factions reunited. This was part of a larger reunion movement within American Quakerism. Philadelphia Friends supported the Civil Rights Movement. They criticized the Vietnam War. They supported gay rights.
Today, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting gathers at the Friends Center. The Orthodox Friends Church continues to uphold its values of equality and peace. Its history reflects Philadelphia’s commitment to religious freedom and social justice.