Amongst Friends

On a recent outing we were up near McNabb and came across an interesting site. Not a forgotten monument or abandoned house but still historically significant. If you travel up route 89 until you come to county rd. 350 N. and take a right hand turn you'll find yourself at the Friends Meeting House. Built in 1874 and listed on the National Register of historic places it is the westernmost meeting place of the Religious Society of Friends, better known as the Quakers.

Founded in the mid 1600's, the Quakers are widely known for their plain dress, formal speech and pacifist beliefs. Quakers refused to participate in war, were bitterly opposed to slavery and many of them helped runaway slaves escape to a better life in pre civil war America.

Every year, usually in June, there is a meeting of people coming from all over the country. In addition to the main meeting house which can hold up to 700 at one sitting, there are cabins across the road. Also nearby is a cemetery devoted just for the Friends. If you're ever curious take a drive up that way. The spot is quiet with only the wind blowing and the birds chirping most of the year.