Chestnut Hill Friends Show New Meetinghouse Plans

With only $370,000 left till they reach their fundraising goal, the members of are starting to see the light, literally, at the end of the tunnel.

The total cost of a new meetinghouse and grounds for the congregation, at 100 E. Mermaid Lane, was set at $5.8 million. Now that that goal is within reach, the Friends have launched a public campaign, including community organizations, neighbors and art supporters in their project.

Wednesday night, at the current meetinghouse, detailing the timeline, site plan and other details of the future construction. One feature in particular was highlighted throughout the evening: the Skyspace designed by Quaker artist James Turrell.

Turrell is an internationally acclaimed artist who has installations in cities from Argentina to Australia. The Skyspace planned for the Chestnut Hill Meeting will transform the space into a work of art, making an indoor space feel limitless.

“I’ve seen how important it is connecting the inside to the outside is to people’s spiritual worship, that you are never detached from the outside” said Rabbi George Stern, who spoke at the meeting as a member of Neighborhood Interfaith Movement. “I applaud you thinking not only of yourselves but of the people around you and the world around you.”

When the meetinghouse is not being used for worship services, it will be open to community members and visitors. That is why the Friends are reaching out to the community for support. With less than $400,000 left in the fundraising process, the meetinghouse is already planning a spring 2012 groundbreaking and a completion in the summer of 2013.

More information sessions on the project will be held in coming months. For now, the members of Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting are spreading the word, connecting with their community, and quickly heading towards the light.