Old City in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
What is Quakerism?
Quakerism, or the Religious Society of Friends, was founded in England by George Fox as a Protestant Christian faith during the mid-1600s. Quakers, often called "Friends," believe God is present in the hearts of everyone through a power called the "Light Within." Historically, Quakers connected with God individually and directly through silent worship. This connection with God is why early Quakers did not have clergy, perform baptisms, or have Communion rituals.
Today, Quakerism is diverse in nationality, race, gender, sexuality, theology, politics, and practice. Some Quaker communities, have pastors, songs, and public prayer, while others still worship in silence.
What is Arch Street Meeting House?
A meetinghouse is a place of worship like a church, temple, or synagogue. Arch Street Meeting House is the largest, oldest, continuously active Quaker meeting house in Philadelphia.
Erected by Arch Street Meeting House.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Quakerism series list.
Location. 39° 57.129′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Arch Street Meeting House (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Arch Street Meeting House (a few steps from this marker); Arch Street Friends (a few steps from this marker); History of the Philadelphia Fire Department Mural Project (within shouting distance of this marker); Friends Meeting (within shouting distance
Additional commentary.
1. About the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia
The Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia, which meets at the Arch Street Meeting House, maintains the traditional "silent" Quaker worship without clergy, where the Meeting worships silently until a worshiper has an epiphany, stands up, shares it, and then returns to their seat.
— Submitted November 20, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 4, 2025
3. What is Quakerism? Marker in front of Arch Street Meeting House
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 415 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 20, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on April 6, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
