Wellesley Friends Meeting

In 1958, a unique chapter began in the story of Wellesley Friends Meeting. This wasn’t just any new beginning. It was the culmination of fourteen years of worship and community building. Fourteen years prior, a small group began meeting under the care of Cambridge Monthly Meeting. These individuals, drawn together by their shared Quaker faith, laid the foundation for what would become the independent Wellesley Friends Meeting. The Meetinghouse at 26 Benvenue Street in Wellesley, Massachusetts became their spiritual home. They gather every “First Day” (Sunday) at 10:30 am for Meeting for Worship. The community draws members from many towns in the Greater Boston area. Wellesley Friends Meeting prides itself on being a welcoming space for all ages, backgrounds, gender identities, and orientations. They offer childcare during First Day School, showing their commitment to intergenerational community. Interestingly, Wellesley Friends Meeting was actively involved in supporting a worship group at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Norfolk. This group, initially sponsored by Wellesley Friends, eventually gained recognition as an independent meeting. This reveals the Meeting’s commitment to extending its message of peace and community beyond its walls. For years, dedicated members kept meticulous records of the Meeting’s activities. These records, including minutes from as early as 1954 and newsletters dating back to 1965, now reside at the University of Massachusetts Amherst libraries. They offer a rich glimpse into the Meeting’s evolution and its enduring presence in the community. Wellesley Friends Meeting continues to thrive, holding hybrid worship services. This allows members to connect both in person and virtually, demonstrating their adaptability and commitment to accessibility.