Free Quaker Meetinghouse, Quaker church building at 5th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, United States.
The Free Quaker Meetinghouse is a brick church building from the late 1700s with two and a half stories and a gable roof, located at the corner of Fifth and Arch Streets in Philadelphia. Inside, simple wooden benches and unadorned walls reflect the plain style that Quakers have always preferred for worship.
The building was constructed in 1783 for a group of Quakers who separated from the main church because they supported American independence through armed conflict. This split marked a major disagreement within the Quaker movement over the issue of pacifism and military participation.
The meetinghouse reflects a moment when some Quaker members openly supported military conflict, which set them apart from the pacifist mainstream of their faith. Walking through the space, you sense how religious conviction and patriotic duty shaped the choices of those who gathered here.
The location is near Independence Hall and other sites in Philadelphia's historic center, making it easy to visit alongside nearby attractions. Comfortable shoes are recommended since exploring the area on foot is the best way to understand the neighborhood's layout.
In the 1960s, the entire building was moved about 30 feet to make room for street expansion, a remarkable feat of engineering that kept the structure intact. The meetinghouse still stands at its relocated position and remains a visible part of the neighborhood today.
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