Category Archives: Springfield History

Quakers were the first organized church to decide that slavery is against God’s will, and that no one could be a member of the Society of Friends and own slaves. One of the best-known early leaders was John Woolman, a … Continue reading →

One of the longest-serving pastors at Springfield, Clara Cox served here from 1918 to her death in 1940. She was the first woman pastor (though not the first female minister) at Springfield. Her father was J. Elwood Cox, a prominent … Continue reading →

By Sandra Culler The Fish Fry was first started on the fourth Saturday of January 1994 by the Warren T. Parris Class. They had discussed various ways to help support the church and involve the community. Robert Culler was a … Continue reading →

Scattered all over the building are many small brass signs or plaques engraved with the names of members of the meeting. They mark parts of our building which were given or renovated in loving memory by family and friends. The … Continue reading →

The first group of Friends who met at Springfield purchased 12 acres of land from Henry Thornburgh for 5 shillings – about the cost of a new axe head at the time. Other lots have been added over the years, … Continue reading →

In 1773 a meeting for worship was started at Springfield. At this time Friends had to ride on horseback or go on foot, but it was a very necessary and important part of their life that they meet together for … Continue reading →

In 1949 Parrish Clodfelter of Springfield Meeting told the pastor, Milton Hadley, about a 104 acre farm with a 5 acre lake on it which was for sale in Climax. The price was $12,600. Milton Hadley and Virgil Pike, then … Continue reading →

Copies of these two famous pictures are found in many Quaker meetings and Sunday School rooms. In spite of their universal presence, few people know the story behind them. They were painted by James Doyle Penrose (1862-1932), a Quaker from … Continue reading →

COAT started in 2002 as a concern of local ministers, business and community leaders including Gary Lewallen (at that time chief of the Archdale Police Department. Very few churches at that time had organized food pantries, and most of them … Continue reading →

FEMAP (Friends Emergency Material Assistance Program) grew out of a similar, large-scale program which was run for many years by the American Friends Service Committee. The AFSC program collected clothing and other things from Quaker meetings all across the country, … Continue reading →