Winter Worship with Plumstead Friends
It was a nippy 42° in the meetinghouse when Dafydd Jones, clerk of Plumstead Meeting, came to start the fire in the wood burning stove last Sunday morning. By the time Friends began to arrive, the temperature had risen about 10 degrees, but you could still see your breath despite the roaring fire. Friends wore a variety of winter gear, including heavy coats, hats, and mittens. Blankets and quilts were available to help ward off the chill. The sun streaming in from the large glass door provided a bit of warmth to those who were fortunate enough to secure a seat in the sunbeam.
Welcome to winter worship in the only meetinghouse in Bucks County that does not have electricity or plumbing. Heat in the winter is provided by a centrally located wood-burning stove and there is a small privy located at the front of the building.
The first meetinghouse in Plumstead was erected in 1730 on 15 acres of donated land. This log cabin stood until 1752, when it was replaced by a new stone meetinghouse, built with stone taken from a small quarry on the property. The present walled, one-acre burial ground was also established then. The current meetinghouse was re-built in 1875 and members take pride in its upkeep.
About a dozen Friends gathered in the stillness, waiting for any message that might arise, and keeping the silence if none did. The fire snapped and crackled; when it began to die down, Dafydd added fuel to the fire, intensifying its presence. The room warmed; the silence deepened, and the Spirit moved throughout the room. A message about feeling blessed to be in community with those present was shared, then echoed as an afterthought at the rise of meeting.
As there were a few visitors, introductions were made, followed by the passing of the cookie basket by Friend Elyse Fox. Everyone lingered to chat with the visitors and catch up with Friends. As Dafydd and I walked out of the now-warm meetinghouse into the chilly morning air, I remarked that I was leaving with cold feet but a warm heart.
Plumstead Friends meet for worship at 9:30 am every Sunday at their historic meetinghouse, located at 4914-A, Point Pleasant Pike in Doylestown, PA. Everyone is welcome. Come for a visit – there might be cookies!