The Quaker meeting house on South Magnolia Drive will be hosting an open house on Saturday, to celebrate Earth Day. The event will include a plant give-away and a day filled with activities for all ages.
Tables will feature information on home and community gardening, Quaker Earthcare Witness, the tradition of non-violence and peace, and an area where adults and children can create their own peace prayer flags.
Members of the Tallahassee Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) have been meeting since the 1970s. Through the years those meetings would take place in various locations until they came together and purchased the residence at 2001 S. Magnolia Drive in the mid 1990s.
The 80-year-old house has been tailor made and features a pine-paneled interior and large central room. In that very room many have congregated to worship, reflect and find an inner sanctuary of the spirit.
Those in attendance will gain the opportunity to learn how the Quakers guide their beliefs and practice them on an ongoing basis.
They believe the traditional testimonies of equality, simplicity, integrity, community and peace are still their framework for how to live in harmony with one another and create the “blessed community.” Community members are eager to answer questions about Quaker traditions and beliefs during the open house.
Florida A&M University student Chase Lloyd looks forward to this event.
“I ran across this event on Facebook and was intrigued to know there is a Quaker community right here in Tallahassee,” Lloyd said. “I’ve read about the beliefs of Quakers and being able to speak with them personally as well as celebrate Earth Day is an opportunity I’m looking forward to.”
A donation from the I-Grow center near Old Bainbridge Road is featured on their two-acre property. The six vegetable garden beds including fruit trees such as figs, citrus, mulberry and plums have been recently gardened and are available for attendees to view. Another garden features a large arrangement of flowers to attract butterflies and serves as a great photo opportunity for new Instagram content.
Refreshments will be served along with the opportunity to celebrate Earth Day and learn more about the Tallahassee Friends Meeting and their contributions to the local community. Masks as well as being fully vaccinated is encouraged.
For more information visit www.tallyquaker.org or their Facebook page, Tallahassee Friends Meeting (Quakers).