'Tis a Gift to be Simple

This is a photo of the inside of the New Garden Friends Meeting space located at the corner of New Garden Road and Friendly Avenue. The Society of Friends, New Garden Friends Meeting in Guilford County (Quakers) was established in 1754. As a religion, the Society of Friends traces its origins to mid-century England and Wales and believes that ordinary people can have a direct relationship with Christ. Neither priests, nor the Pope, nor preachers are needed to mediate the relationship with God. Therefore, above, you don't see a pulpit, fancy icons, crosses, or paintings. Pews, crisp white walls, and plain blue carpeting are the backdrop for the Friends' gathering here in Greensboro. In this religion, simplicity is highly regarded. Our Quaker friends practiced "reduce, reuse, recycle" long before the green movement. Quakers eschew titles (e.g., Mr., Mrs., Reverend), favoring, instead, the use of first names. As stated on Quaker Finder dot org, "(c)ommunity is a central part of the Religious Society of Friends." Together, the religious experience is deeper than when alone. If you are interested in attending a meeting, start here.

Yes, we know the title of this post is not Quaker but are lyrics of a Shaker song. However, that is the title that kept coming to mind as we roamed the hallway of the New Garden Friends Meeting and, again, as we were preparing this post for Sacred Sunday.

Comments

[RamblingRound]

What an interesting post! Tis wise to be simple, frugal and in tune with God.

[leif hagen]

A wonderful posting for Sacred Sunday! Very interesting and very simple! I love the beautiful wooden pews!

[Dina]

Uh oh, I was here 12 hours ago and left a comment but it's disappeared. You know I wouldn't miss your Quaker meeting house.
Its beauty is in the simplicity.
I'd like to go to a meeting someday.

Love your song too.

[VioletSky]

For a few years I attended a Quaker Meetinghouse. This brings back comforting memories.

[Lily]

Simply put post too! thanks for your insights. I find this very appealing.