Contact & Location for Great Friends Meeting House
About Great Friends Meeting House
The Great Friends Meeting House, built in 1699 in Newport, Rhode Island, is the oldest surviving house of worship in the state and stands as a remarkable testament to the region's Quaker heritage. Established by early Quaker settlers who arrived in Newport in 1657 seeking religious freedom, the Meeting House grew to become one of the most significant Quaker sites in colonial America, hosting the New England Yearly Meeting of Friends from around 1661 until 1905. The building itself is an architectural treasure, featuring the original late-medieval form with massive exposed framing timbers, tiered bench seating, and diamond-pane leaded windows, along with later additions including the North Meeting and South Meeting to accommodate the congregation's growth. Today, under the stewardship of the Newport Historical Society since its acquisition in 1967, the restored Great Friends Meeting House welcomes visitors to explore five centuries of Newport's rich and complex history, offering a tangible connection to the city's profound influence on American independence and religious liberty.
First-Time Visitor Info for Great Friends Meeting House
Dress Code: Not specified — please contact the church directly. Service Format: Quaker worship typically involves congregants sitting in silence until moved by the Inner Light to speak, with meetings concluding with the shaking of hands between elders. Visitor Tips: The Meeting House is located at Farewell and Marlborough Streets in downtown Newport, within easy walking distance of other historic sites managed by the Newport Historical Society; advance contact is recommended to confirm current visiting hours and any special programs.
Note: Church information may be outdated. Please verify details with the church directly before visiting.
Take your faith journey deeper
Get personalized biblical guidance in seconds, not days or weeks.
Try Free for 7 DaysQuick Actions
Churches Near You
Take your faith journey deeper
Get personalized biblical guidance in seconds, not days or weeks.
Try Free for 7 Days