Bristol Friends Meeting made their meetinghouse more open and usable through a $10,000 grant from the PYM Quaker Buildings & Programs Granting Group. The work addressed long-identified needs with attention to both the history of the space and the people who continue to gather in it.
A portion of the grant was spent on repairing several of the original benches, which are essential to the character and function of the worship space. In addition, new bench cushions were purchased, improving comfort for all Friends and visitors during Meeting for Worship and other gatherings. Ceiling fans were also installed to improve air circulation and comfort while in worship.
The most significant transformation came through the refashioning of the divider between the meeting room and social room to include a new double-door entrance. This greatly improved access for those using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids. A generous donation of doors and hardware from another meeting was incorporated with the skilled work of a carpenter. The craftsmanship ensured that the new doors blend beautifully with the original architecture, as if they had always been part of the meetinghouse.
This change has already made a tangible difference in the life of the Meeting. They have been able to host memorials and public events with greater ease and inclusivity, offering welcome to all who wish to attend. The impact of the grant is not only physical but spiritual. It has opened doors, literally and figuratively, to deeper community, hospitality, and connection.
If your meetinghouse in active use is in need of building repairs, apply for support from the PYM Quaker Buildings & Programs Granting Group using the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Grants Portal by September 1, 2025.
