About Us

Quaker History

Quakerism first developed in Britain beginning in 1650s, shaped by George Fox, James Nayler, and Margaret Fell (among other important figures).  Quakers believe that there is that of God or the Divine (an inner Light) in everyone. We hold the core testimonies of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship. More background information about the history of Quakers and Quaker belief can be found on the Quaker Resources Page.

Quakers in Columbia

Locally, Quakers have been meeting continuously in Columbia, Missouri since the 1960s and some meetings were held in homes as early as the 1940s. In 2003, Pat Wixom wrote a History of Columbia Friends Meeting. 

Since the early 1960s, local Quakers have been active in peace and social justice work within the community.  Early members included conscientious objectors from WWI and WII. During the Vietnam War, members were deeply involved in draft counseling and peace work. 

Members helped to establish the Mid-Missouri Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), as well as helping to start the Peace Studies Program at the University of Missouri-Columbia. One weekly peace vigil begun with FOR was held at the Columbia Post Office for 37 years. Quakers also helped to establish the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) in Missouri. Other Quakers have worked with refugees, community development, and national Quaker peace organizations. 

More Recently

In June 2020, after the murder of George Floyd, Columbia Friends began a new vigil in support of Black Lives Matter.  Over the last several years, the vigil has grown to support many social justice issues, from Black Lives Matter, Ending Gun Violence, Climate Action, to protesting the invasion of Ukraine. 

Columbia Friends are also partnering with Show Me Dharma to prepare food and serve at Loaves and Fishes six times a year (on the fourth Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September, and October).

Friends are also involved in other local social justice work, including the Missouri Chapter of Moms Demand Action, Blessing Boxes (tiny food pantries), City of Refuge, Race Matters, and the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture, among other work. 

A 2018 article in the Columbia Missourian discusses some of meeting's recent history.

Columbia's Quakers Maintain Long-Standing Voice of Peace, Equality