The Arch Street Meeting House
The Arch Street Meeting House - To Worship and Learn
If you're looking for US History in Philadelphia, you can look no further than the Arch Street Meeting House. This building, used by "Quakers" or "The Society of Friends" is in use to this day as a place of worship. There are no defined beliefs, and no appointed clergyman present. Rather, the Society of Friends sits in silence in the pews, all directed toward the center of the room, and allows "the light" to come to them. If someone feels this light within them, they are free to speak aloud a prayer or whatever message they feel they have to share.
The Arch Street Meeting House is the oldest still in use on earth. In 1804, this meeting house was constructed under the architecture of Owen Biddle. Interesting facts about the architecture are the two staircases to the balcony, which were used to separate the boys from the girls. A modest board was put into place on the side designated for the girls, so as to detract unwanted attention from the boys who might see the legs of the young ladies.
The middle section of the house hosts meetings on a monthly basis, as well as for special events. Dioramas of William Penn (Founder of Philadelphia) are exhibited in the East Wing.
If you have an interest in a bit of the macabre, you'll be pleased to know that the land beneath this house also serves as a burial ground for many yellow fever victims, as well as Penn himself and Benjamin Franklin.
For those who wish to worship with the Society of Friends at the historic Arch Street Meeting House, worship meetings are held twice a week, and visitors are of course always welcome.
