In 1657, whispers of a new faith began to circulate in Croydon. These whispers grew louder, eventually leading to the establishment of the Croydon Friends Meeting House. The current building, standing proudly on Park Lane, isn’t the first to house the Croydon Quakers. Their history here stretches back over 350 years. The first meeting house, built in 1721 on Back Lane (now Park Lane), served the community for over a century. A new house replaced it in 1816, only to be tragically destroyed during World War II. The Croydon Friends Meeting House you see today rose from those ashes in 1957. It’s a testament to the resilience of the Quaker community. Inside these walls, the Quakers of Croydon continue their tradition of silent worship. Every Sunday at 10:30 am, they gather, seeking connection with their inner selves and a deeper truth. The meeting isn’t exclusive to Quakers. Anyone is welcome to join, regardless of belief or religion. The Croydon Friends Meeting House isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a community hub, used by various local groups. Even the rooms themselves, devoid of religious symbols, are available for hire. The meeting house also boasts modern amenities, including wheelchair access and parking. A quirky fact connects the Croydon Friends Meeting House to a Victorian tea merchant, John Horniman. This Quaker, known for riding to work on a black horse in full Quaker garb, funded improvements to an earlier meeting house in the 1880s. His son, Frederick, founded the Horniman Museum. The destruction of the previous meeting house in 1940 is a dramatic tale. A dropped landmine failed to explode. The next day, while a naval squad attempted to remove it, the mine slipped, causing a devastating explosion. The meeting house and nearby buildings were severely damaged. The adjoining adult school hall, built in 1908, survived the blast. Today, it stands as a reminder of the area’s rich history. The Croydon Friends Meeting House, with its rich past and open doors, is a quiet haven in the bustling city. It stands as a symbol of peace, community, and enduring faith.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to