Menallen Monthly Meeting

Historically, Menallen Meeting members have played an active role in the establishment of the orchard industry in northern Adams County over the centuries.   In addition, its members, most notably, Cyrus Griest, William and Phebe Wright and Joel Wierman were major participants in the Underground Railroad partnering with the African American community at nearby Yellow Hill. Griest also played a prominent role in rescuing Kitty Payne, a freed slave, and her children from the kidnappers in 1845.

Members of Menallen Meeting had a strong desire to improve the early education of the young and founded at least  seven schools in the area (including Mapleton Seminary and Fairmont School for both Quaker and non-Quaker children) at a time when rural education was not a priority in the society. Many members were teachers.  There were at least two members who served as Indianagents after the Civil War. Friends, most of whom are pacifists, supported agencies like the USO, Red Cross and the American Friends Service committee during both of the World Wars, because their belief in the inherent worth of each individual.

Today, there are 50 members of Menallen Friends.  In keeping with its roots, the Meeting has operated a preschool for almost four decades, and has received several small grants to support summer programs in music, dance and history. Members are involved in local, national and international community action to promote peace in our world.  In addition, Menallen Meeting was recently placed on the National Park Service’s National Network to Freedom as a site that was involved with the Underground Railroad. 

Menallen Monthly Meeting belongs to the Warrington Quarter of Baltimore Yearly Meeting.  Friends gather for Meeting for Worship every First Day (Sunday) at 10:30 am.  Visitors are always welcome to join us!