Work began in September and was delayed somewhat after the porch, built in the mid-1800s, was ripped up. “They found original flooring underneath and had to bring in an archeologist,” Shirley said. “The porch will be totally restored.”
The delay was nothing new to her. Repairs were supposed to have begun three years ago after the city provided $500,000 and the state gave $100,000 for the work. In addition, members raised nearly $60,000 to install a modern fire alarm and sprinkler system.
Bureaucratic red tape held things up. But now, the funding is not enough. “We need to raise an additional $125,000 on our own, which is very disappointing,” she said, noting the group only has 29 members.
The building’s landmark status adds expense to the project because it restricts the materials that can be used. For example, the roof must be constructed with cedar shingles imported from Canada.
Despite the current work, members are able to access the house on Sundays for their 11 a.m. one-hour service that begins and ends in silence. There are no traditonal ministers among the Quakers.
The meeting house was built in 1694 on land bought by Flushing farmer John Bowne. It was enlarged in 1717 and has remained virtually unchanged since then, although the overall property has shrunk from three acres to about three-quarters of an acre.
Located at 137-16 Northern Blvd., the structure is considered the oldest house of worship in continuous use in New York City.
A cemetery in the rear holds the remains of some of Flushing’s first families, including the Bownes. The back of the building, with its original wavy glass window panes, actually fronts on Northern Boulevard.
The only time the meeting house wasn’t used by the Quakers was during the Revolutionary War, when British troops occupied it for use as a hospital.
Shirley indicated a few new members have joined and two weddings were held there recently.
For information on the Quaker Meeting House, call (718) 358-9636 and leave a message.
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