Friends Institute History
Friends Institute began in the late 1800's as a social group for "Friends and those within the circle of Friends." It was important to the original members to
provide a sense of home to young adult Friends traveling to the Philadelphia area. The independently incorporated Friends Institute had a physical location, a "reading room" at 20 S. 12th Street that was the site of a lively exchange of ideas and inspiration. Friends Institute members founded AFSC in response to the United States entering World War One as they sought provide alternative service opportunities for conscientious objectors.
Eventually the first few generations of the group got older and less active. In the 1960's the City wanted the space along 12th and Market for development of commercial property. The neighboring 12th Street Meeting House was moved to the George School and the FI Reading Room was demolished. But the City compensated FI with a lump sum for their property. Sometime in the 1970's the last surviving members of FI agreed to dissolve the separate FI corporation and hand over their legacy to PYM for the express purpose of being managed by and for the young adult Quaker community in PYM.
The 1970's was a lively time for Friends Institute, with a large group of young adults who came together for worship, potlucks and to steward the legacy fund by funding activities and witness projects of individual young adults. The pre-existing PYM "Young Adult Friends" group picked up the torch handed over by the senior "Friends Institute" organizers. Many who were involved in that period continue to be active leaders in the Quaker community today. As the only dedicated source of funding for young adult Quakers worldwide, Friends Institute has occassionally reached beyond the PYM boundaries to contribute to efforts such as the first world gathering of young friends.
In the spirit of previous generations of involved young adult Friends, the latest incarnation has done a balancing act to support individual witness and broader projects as are described elsewhere on this site. In 2004 FI agreed to contribute to the second world gathering of young Friends.
For many, Friends Institute continues to provide a place for exchanging ideas, as well as a vital link to the Quaker community beyond the monthly meeting, during a period of life filled with major transitions.
We invite young adult Friends in the PYM area to consider what they might do to with the open invitation to experiment in actively shaping a young adult community in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.
To contact us or further information, email friendsinstitute@pym.org |
