Author Archives: Josh

Who knows you best?

Posted on August 27, 2023 by Josh

Good morning, Friends! I’ve got a really simple message for you this morning. God is everywhere. And God knows everything. That’s it! We can all go home now! God is everywhere. And God knows everything. You’re all still here? Nobody … Continue reading →

Posted in Sermons | Comments Off on Who knows you best?

Max and Avis Rees

Posted on August 13, 2023 by Josh

Robert Maxwell Rees (1928-2011) was the longest-serving pastor in Springfield’s history. He and his wife, Avis Logue Rees (1929-2023) lived for 35 years next door at the parsonage from 1961 to 1996. Max was born in Economy, Indiana the 4th … Continue reading →

Posted in Springfield History | Comments Off on Max and Avis Rees

Lift up your eyes

Posted on August 13, 2023 by Josh

Good morning, Friends! I’m so glad you’re here this morning! It’s good to be back from vacation. Actually, I was back here last Sunday. But when I came back, I had a lot of urgent things to deal with. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Sermons | Comments Off on Lift up your eyes

Mel Downing

Posted on August 6, 2023 by Josh

Mel Downing Jr. (1941-2009) was the longest-serving music minister in Springfield’s entire history. During his 47 years of service to Springfield, he touched many lives and helped many pray through his music. Music was his true passion his life’s calling … Continue reading →

Posted in Springfield History | Comments Off on Mel Downing

The Tomlinson Brothers

Posted on July 30, 2023 by Josh

Charles F. Tomlinson (1871-1943) and Sidney H. Tomlinson (1876-1949) grew up at Springfield Friends, and were major players in the furniture industry. Charles, the older brother, graduated from Guilford College in 1893. He was deeply interested in the YMCA, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Springfield History | Comments Off on The Tomlinson Brothers

William and Amanda Richardson

Posted on July 23, 2023 by Josh

During the period of Reconstruction following the Civil War many northern Friends held deep concerns for the Friends of the stricken Southland. Among those who felt such concern and answered their call were William S. and Amanda Buffington Richardson. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Springfield History | Comments Off on William and Amanda Richardson

Mahlon Hockett

Posted on July 16, 2023 by Josh

Mahlon Hockett (1772-1850) may have been one of the original members of Springfield Monthly Meeting. His parents were Joseph and Phebe Hoggatt. (There are several spellings of the family name, which were often used interchangeably.) Mahlon Hockett was married to … Continue reading →

Posted in Springfield History | Comments Off on Mahlon Hockett

Yardley Warner – “The Freedman’s Friend”

Posted on July 9, 2023 by Josh

Of all the Quakers who are buried at Springfield Friends Cemetery, one of the least-known and most interesting is a man named Yardley Warner (1815-1884). He was born in Pennsylvania in 1815, and he and his family were active on … Continue reading →

Posted in Springfield History | Comments Off on Yardley Warner – “The Freedman’s Friend”

The Blair brothers

Posted on July 2, 2023 by Josh

Although more people today remember the four Blair sisters (Ada, Emma, Martha and Eva), in many ways the three Blair brothers are even more remarkable. While most of the Blairs were involved in education early in their lives, the three … Continue reading →

Posted in Springfield History | Comments Off on The Blair brothers

Quakers and freedom (4th of July)

Posted on July 2, 2023 by Josh

Good morning, Friends! The Fourth of July isn’t really a church holiday. The Fourth of July is more about family and fireworks, picnics and patriotism. I always loved the Fourth of July when I was a kid. The whole town … Continue reading →

Posted in Sermons | Comments Off on Quakers and freedom (4th of July)