Flushing in Queens in Queens County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Friends Meeting House
Flushing Freedom Mile
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 28, 2011
1. Friends Meeting House Marker
The Friends Meeting House was the first house of worship in the village of Flushing. It is New York City’s oldest house of worship in continuous use, and the second oldest in the nation. The house was built in 1694, and provided Flushing’s Quakers with their first permanent place of worship. Until that time, Quakers attended services in the kitchen of John Bowne’s house, a few blocks away. Bowne himself is buried in the graveyard behind the meeting house.
The Friends Meeting House has served its original purpose for more than 300 years – interrupted only briefly during the American Revolution, when the British used it as a prison, a hospital, and a stable. The meeting house was built with 40 foot timbers of Oak trees from the area. The two sets of doors were originally used as separate entrances for men and women.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the New York, Flushing Freedom Mile, and the Quakerism series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1694.
Location. 40° 45.784′ N, 73° 49.829′ W. Marker is in Queens, New York, in Queens County. It is in Flushing. Marker is at the intersection of Northern Blvd. (New York State Route 25A) and Linden
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Quaker Meeting House (here, next to this marker); Flushing Civil War Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Flushing Town Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hon. Alfred J. Kennedy (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Flushing Town Hall (about 300 feet away); Daniel Carter Beard Square (about 300 feet away); Former RKO Keith's Theatre (about 400 feet away); World War I Memorial (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Queens.
More about this marker. Two photographs appear at the bottom left of the marker. They have captions of “The tranquil, pastoral landscape surrounding the Friends Meeting House in this 19th century photograph stands in stark contrast to the hustle and congestion of the 20th century.” and “The Friends Meeting House is simple, with benches facing each other. Elders and traveling Quakers sat on the raised benches. At worship, all who feel led are invited to speak.” Next to this is a picture of a British soldier tending to a sick comrade with a caption of “During the American Revolution, the Friends Meeting House was taken over
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 28, 2011
2. Friends Meeting House Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 28, 2011
3. Friends Meeting House
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 567 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 31, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
