The current building for Buckingham Friends Meeting, located in Lahaska, was completed in 1768.
It is an exquisite two-story, gable-roofed structure, and an excellent example of Georgian architecture. A Quaker Worship service takes place here each Sunday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., inclusive of a children’s program.
Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2003, and considered one of the finest examples of Pennsylvania Quaker Meeting architecture, this beautiful structure has served as a model for Friends Meetinghouses throughout the United States.
The interior, in Quaker tradition, is very simple, yet eloquent in appearance. Resplendent in wood, mostly white cedar, excellent craftsmanship is evident in the building’s every detail. The original woodwork and stone masonry is impeccable in design. One half of the Meeting House has cushioned benches and is used for weekly worship services, as well as for weddings and memorial/funeral services (at a nominal fee). The other side of the building is used for receptions. A wooden dividing wall can be raised to enlarge the Meeting House to one huge area, depending upon the immediate need.
Throughout the years, we have strived to preserve this historic building while maintaining the integrity and respect of the original design. Funding for exterior work has been unavailable to us in the form of grants. At present, all of our exterior woodwork is in need of scraping, wood repair and painting, inclusive of 30 windows. The 60 shutters on these windows have been in storage for several years as we lack the funds to do the needed restoration work.
Though many of our maintenance/preservation projects are handled by volunteer members, we need professionals to handle the painting to ensure that it is done with utmost diligence for preservation.
If there is a retired professional painter in the area (or perhaps semi-retired) who would be interested in helping to preserve one of our community’s historic buildings, your time and effort would be greatly appreciated. Please contact our Property Clerk at psgetty@gmail.com.
If you would like to help out with a donation to the massive cost of our exterior painting project, your contribution is most helpful and welcome. Please make your check out to: Buckingham Friends Meeting, mark it for “painting project” and send to P.O. Box 76 Lahaska, PA 18931.
Lastly, if you are interested in having a wedding or memorial service in this unique space, please contact us at buckinghamfriends@gmail.com.
Please feel free to stop by and visit this extraordinary Bucks County National Historical Landmark, or go online at Buckingham Friends Meeting to take a virtual tour and learn more about our fascinating history. All are more than welcome to join us each Sunday for a traditional Quaker Service, followed by a luncheon reception.
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