Vision, Mission, and History
Pendle Hill Beginnings
Pendle Hill was established in 1930 as a Quaker study center designed to prepare its adult students for service both in the Religious Society of Friends and in the world. The founders envisioned a new Quaker School of Social and Religious Education which would be "a vital center of spiritual culture" and "a place for training leaders." [Rufus Jones, Preliminary Announcement, 1929] An ideal location for the new school was found in Wallingford, Pennsylvania, a dozen miles from Philadelphia, easy to reach by train and near Swarthmore College.
Vision
For more than 75 years Pendle Hill has brought together people from around the world and from many religious traditions. At Pendle Hill worship, study, work and service are integrated every day in our curriculum and community life. We offer the rare opportunity to step back from contemporary culture, reflect on our lives and our relationship with the Divine, and prepare for renewed witness in the world.
Pendle Hill realizes its purpose through educational programs for adults and youth, publications, our bookstore, and the life of our residential community.
Mission
Pendle Hill is a center of God's work in transforming the world. Pendle Hill nurtures the life and witness of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) through worship, work, study and service. We welcome those of all spiritual paths.
– Mission statement approved by the Pendle Hill Trustees 9/16/06