Fellowship
As a a Quaker community, Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting sees the campaign for a new meetinghouse as a vehicle for raising funds to support the project as well as an opportunity to build fellowship within the Meeting and throughout the broader community. It has been welcomed and embraced by many.
“We believe that a James Turrell Skyspace will add richness to (this) community and provide an appropriate meeting space for the traditional and timeless values reflected in the faith of the Friends. Our financial commitment reinforces our belief in the importance of this undertaking. ”
Peter Lapham, trustee of the Bluestone Foundation
“The Meeting’s decision to undertake this project has been a source of inspiration and uplift not only for me but for many others. It is an exciting story of hope and confidence in our future, a hope and confidence that I believe is well placed.”
Arthur Larrabee, General Secretary, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
“The experience of sitting beneath the James Turrell Skyspace at the Houston Friends Meeting is transformative. Creating a space like that in Philadelphia would be a gift not just to the community but to the whole world. A Turrell Skyspace provides a meditative atmosphere that will attract people of many different faith backgrounds.”
Christopher Rothko, son of abstract expressionist Mark Rothko
“A vibrant meeting that is attracting new members is good for Friends Schools. Having more Friends students and families helps us raise up Friends values.”
Dick Wade, head of school, Germantown Friends School
“This will bring visitors to this city, which is increasingly known for its art and vibrant arts scene. To have an installation by an artist of Turrell’s stature in Philadelphia will further bolster this city’s reputation as one of this nation’s great art venues.”
Gail Harrity, president and COO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and an advisor to the project
“Friends of the Wissahickon is pleased to endorse the goals of your new meeting house project and its associated greening elements.”
Maura McCarthy, executive director of Friends of the Wissahickon
As the campaign unfolds, CHFM welcomes every opportunity to make connections between people, share experiences, deepen dialogue, and foster a feeling of friendship and unity around a common purpose. Events that enabled people to experience James Turrell's work firsthand have proven to be great opportunities for building fellowship. Other activities such as a tribute to a long-time member have been fun and also raised funds for the new meetinghouse project.