The Light Within

We each have within us a Light by which we can commune directly with God,
however you understand the Divine

Welcome

We warmly invite into our worship and fellowship folks of all races, social
circumstances, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Upcoming Events

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Who We Are

Central Philadelphia Quaker Meeting is a large, urban Quaker congregation, diverse in many ways, and we welcome visitors.

We welcome individuals of all ages, races, gender identities, and sexual orientations, fostering a sense of community through worship and fellowship.

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Worship & Spirituality

The core of Quaker spirituality lies in turning toward the Light within each of us, the Light of Christ, that of God within us, the Spirit—we name it in different ways, but we share the same experience: that each of us can commune with God directly, without mediating persons, books, or rituals.

In our hour-long worship, we begin in silence, allowing time to settle into a deep, centered space. We wait expectantly on the Divine, opening ourselves to the Spirit. Some may be moved to speak, sharing messages led by the Spirit.

Join Us For Worship — Sunday at 11am 1501 Cherry St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

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Our Virtual Meeting for Worship

You can also join us via Zoom. Here’s the link and login info:

Click here to join the hybrid meeting


Meeting ID: 550 104 323
Passcode: cpmm

Families & Children

Childcare. During worship and other activities, we offer childcare for our youngest attenders, ages 0 to 4, every Sunday.

Sunday school. Every first and third Sunday, we offer "First Day School", akin to "Sunday School," weaving age-appropriate lessons with Quaker values, among them nonviolence, honesty, equality, community, and care for the earth.

Parents are invited to bring their children to worship, recognizing that for some kids, an hour of (relative) silence can be a challenge. 

Child safety. Please read our Child Safety Policy to understand our commitment to your children's safety.

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Parking & Transit

Central Philadelphia Meeting is located in Center City not far from Love Park, City Hall, and Suburban Station.

Our address: 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102.


Instructions and a parking sign

  • Download a sign to put on your dashboard with a map and instructions about where you can park on the back.
  • You can also pick up a dashboard sign at the greeter's table at the entrance and on the literature rack in the main hallway.

Where to park

  • North side of Cherry Street between 15th and 16th Streets.
  • South side of Race Street between 15th and 16th Streets.
  • West side of 15th Street between Race & Cherry Streets.
  • Philadelphia Gateway Parking Facility1540 Spring St. 19102

Regional Rail

Most SEPTA regional rail lines stop at Suburban Station, which is quite close to the meetinghouse at 16th Street and JFK Boulevard. 

From Suburban Station to the meetinghouse

To get to the meetinghouse, exit the station from the main entrance on 16th Street and walk left ( north ) two blocks to Cherry Street. Turn right ( east ) on Cherry Street and walk one block to 15th Street. Our entrance is on your left at the corner of 15th & Cherry.

Local Transit

Local transit lines that stop at 15th Street/City Hall include the Market-Frankfurt Line, Broad Street Line, Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, and 36.  Bus Routes that stop within a couple of blocks include the 2, 4, 16, 17, 27, 31, 32, 33, 38, 44, 48, 62, 124, and 125. 

Our meetinghouse entrance

Support Central Philadelphia Quaker Meeting

Join us in making a positive impact by contributing to Central Philadelphia Quaker Meeting directly through our secure online donation platform. Your generosity can make a difference, and the process is simple, transparent, and easy.

DONATE

About Us

Who We Are

Central Philadelphia Quaker Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends is a large, urban Quaker meeting, diverse in many ways, and we welcome visitors. 

Join Us For Worship — Sunday at 11am 1501 Cherry St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 or Meet Virtually

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led by the Spirit — Grounded in the silence

How We Worship

In our hour-long worship, we begin in silence, allowing time to settle into a deep, centered space. We wait expectantly on the Divine, opening ourselves to the Spirit. Some may be moved to speak, sharing messages led by the Spirit.

The worship concludes with a handshake and "Good morning." Afterward, we share joys, sorrows, and invite visitors to introduce themselves.

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The Quaker Way

Quaker Spirituality

The core of Quaker spirituality is about turning toward the Light within each of us, whether named as the Light of Christ, God within, or the Spirit.

This direct communion with God, described as "sinking down in the Seed," guides, heals, forgives, inspires, and leads to a fulfilling life of service for Love and Truth.

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Events Calendar

View the full calendar

Click the link to view the meeting's full calendar in your browser window.

Meeting for worship: Every Sunday at 11:00.

Upcoming Events:

Videos

Welcome to our teachings, where we've compiled a collection of insightful videos on various Quaker subjects. These videos feature members of Central Philadelphia Meeting, covering a diverse range of topics related to Quakerism. Feel free to explore the links below to delve into the wisdom and teachings shared by our community members.

Steven Davison leads a program on Quakers and Capitalism, an economic history of Quakers and a history of Quaker contributions to capitalist culture, especially as key innovators in the industrial revolution.



Explore a Quaker perspective on economics and nuances of speaking in Quaker worship. Delve into critical issues such as Quakers, racism, and the blessed community, along with beliefs of Quakers, the kingdom of God as seen by Quakers, and expectations in a Quaker meeting for worship, including insights into a gathered meeting.








Learn about Quaker spiritual disciplines, the Quaker practice of discernment, and Quaker beliefs about God. Reflect on the importance of listening to each other into wholeness and explore the role of Quakers in tuning into the still, small voice.







In 2009, a small group of Quakers from Philadelphia decided to do something about climate change. Calling themselves the “Earth Quaker Action Team,” they took on one of the largest banks in the country. 5 years and 125 actions later, PNC Bank decided to change its policy of funding mountaintop removal coal mining. How did they do it?



A Quakers perspective on economics. Is our economic system blocking the kingdom of God that Quakers seek to build? How do we even begin to address that? It’s a question Pamela Haines has thought a lot about.



Explore the possibilities of a nonviolent response to terrorism, why Quakers are pacifists, and personal reflections on why some have decided to become a Quaker.







Reflect on the importance of listening to each other into wholeness and explore the role of Quakers in tuning into the still, small voice.





In Quaker meeting for worship, anyone can stand and speak out of the silence. But how do you know?



“Monthly Meeting”, “Clerk”, “Convincement”, “Clearness”, “Minutes” – What do all these words have in common? They all mean something specific to Quakers! In this video we teamed up with Philadelphia Yearly Meeting to define 12 common Quaker terms.



Arthur Larrabee teaches a popular workshop on Quaker clerking and how to facilitate Quaker decision making. In this week’s video, we asked him what advice he has for future clerks.

Venue Rentals

Welcome to our versatile and accommodating venue, an ideal space for a variety of occasions. Whether you're planning a wedding, memorial, family gathering, business meeting, or any other event, our venue provides a warm and inviting atmosphere to make your special day memorable.

We look forward to helping you create the perfect setting for your next event. To inquire about availability and rental details, please contact Friends Center, the booking agent: Friends Center Event Space.

Membership

You can participate in meeting activities without becoming a member. If you find the Quaker way aligns with your values after getting to know us, we invite you to consider joining the meeting formally.

To learn more about what Membership in the meeting means to us, why you might consider joining our meeting, and how to apply for Membership

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Burial Grounds

Simple burials for all, 

A scenic Quaker cemetery

The Friends Southwestern Burial Ground, a serene Quaker cemetery committed to providing simple burials for all. Grounded in the Friends' tradition of simplicity, openness, and respect for all human life, we offer a peaceful resting place where the beauty of nature intertwines with the essence of simplicity.

Important Notices

Monthly Removal of Decorations: Please be aware that during the first week of every month, we will be removing decorations and tributes from the graves. We kindly request that you collect any tributes you wish to keep before this period.

Visiting Hours: Friends Southwestern Burial Ground is open for visitors 365 days a year. The vehicle gate welcomes visitors from 9 in the morning until 5 in the evening.

Mask Requirement: In consideration of the safety of our staff and those who have their loved ones interred with us, we kindly ask all visitors to wear masks.

Location and Contact Information
Address: 236 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA 19082



Office Number: 445-345-0270

Office Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 AM - 5 PM

Green Burials: A Dedication to Simplicity and Sustainability
At Friends Southwestern Burial Ground, we are dedicated to the practice of green burials, honoring the Friends' tradition of simplicity. We offer options for simple, green burials—whether in a shroud or an untreated casket. Our commitment to simplicity extends to our practices and regulations.

Inclusivity & Respect for Traditions

We welcome individuals of all traditions and practices that align with Friends' values. Our cemetery is a space where diversity is celebrated, and respect for all human life is paramount. We do not require a headstone, but if desired, it must conform to our regulations—a flat marker in the Islamic sections and a 'Quaker style' stone elsewhere on the grounds.

Sustainable Practices

In our ongoing dedication to greenness, we will be removing all plastic and non-natural items from graves. This effort aligns with our commitment to creating a sustainable and environmentally conscious burial ground.

At Friends Southwestern Burial Ground, we offer more than a final resting place; we provide a haven of simplicity and respect, guided by the principles of the Friends' tradition. Whether you seek a serene environment for reflection or a final resting place in line with green burial practices, our cemetery welcomes all who resonate with the Quaker values of simplicity, openness, and respect for life.