 September/October 2001 (XXXIX 4) |
arking the 350th anniversary of Quakerism's founding, a group of "pilgrims" from the Philadelphia area will visit the historic places where it all started on the PYM Educational Pilgrimage to England in July 2002. As in past years, 20-30 Pilgrims will travel to "1652 Country" in the Lake District of Cumbria and Lancashire, in the northwest of England. Among other notable sites from Quaker history, Friends will see Pendle Hill, Swarthmoor Hall, the Quaker Tapestry, Lancaster Castle and possibly Blue Idol (William Penn's meetinghouse) and Jordans (Penn's grave).
Carol and Richard Bernard of Hockessin Meeting (DE) are looking forward to leading the 2002 pilgrimage. The dates for the trip were being finalized as this edition of PYM News went to press. For information about dates, costs and registration, Friends are encouraged to contact Carol Bernard at cassie@udel.edu or by phone at 302-831-2305 (work) or 302-239-0511 (home). If you have not yet made plans for next summer and are interested in this opportunity, you are encouraged to contact Carol as soon as possible to reserve a space.
Friends from PYM will be joined by Quakers from other parts of the United States. Because the 2002 installment of this biennial tradition coincides with a major anniversary for Quakers, PYM pilgrims can expect to encounter other groups of Friends from around the world who are also coming to mark the occasion. Friends will stay in a Quaker guest house in Cumbria, hosted by members of the 1652 Committee of Britain Yearly Meeting. The trip may also include a visit to Chichester, in the southeast of England, where PYM pilgrims in 2000 were warmly hosted by Friends from the local Meeting.
Friends who have participated in the Pilgrimage in the past have done so with a variety of expectations. Most have been looking for spiritual roots, and a context for them. Many have wanted to understand the early Quakers and to discover the source of their strength. The trip, a project under the oversight of the Education Standing Committee of PYM, usually includes numerous Quakers who are active in education and bring a concern for relating Quaker history to their work in teaching. Accordingly, some scholarships are available for teachers.
Tom Hoopes
Central Philadelphia Meeting
PYM Coordinator of Education Programs
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM