On Thursday, April 21st at 7:00 pm, Bucks Quarterly Meeting is excited to present a lecture by Carol Ann Gray,  entitled The Quaker Experience During the American Revolution. The lecture is based on Carol Ann’s soon to be published book Finding Our Foundation, which explores the history of Plumstead Meeting from the days before William Penn and goes through modern times, focusing on the experiences of one rural meeting, but put in the context of American history in general and more specifically in Quaker history in the Delaware Valley. 

This talk focuses on the experience of Bucks County Quakers leading up to and during the American Revolutionary War, but it also touches on events in the wider Philadelphia Yearly Meeting community. It begins with the French and Indian War and ends with the escapades of the Doan Brothers. Events during the Revolution center on the year 1777. 

Quaker pacifism was misunderstood by both sides of the conflict, and during the Revolution Friends endured much suffering, including confiscation of their property, imprisonment, and execution. Just to attend weekly meeting for worship at the scheduled time was an act of courage. But at the same time, Quakers were doing much to relieve the suffering of those of all faiths who were victims of violence, and in the end, won the admiration of George Washington.

Carol Ann Gray is a retired veterinarian and a long time member of the Society of Friends, first at Newtown Friends Meeting, and now at Plumstead Friends Meeting. She has a special interest in history and is the author of a previous book, Fourteen Quaker Meetinghouses. Registration is required; click here to register to receive the Zoom link.