Beacon Hill Friends House in Boston, MA. Christianity

Beacon Hill Friends House

Beacon Hill Friends House is located on historic Beacon Hill in Boston, Masachussetts, a few blocks from the State House. The building was originally built in the early 1800's as a mirror image duplex with a shared porch. Since being given to Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in 1957 the building has became a center for the growing Quaker community in Boston.Beacon Hill Friends House fulfills its mission by:

- Providing a center where Friends and others can meet, worship and study.
- Advancing and fostering the principles of the Religious Society of Friends.
- Offering opportunities for the development of leadership.
- Maintaining a diverse, ecumenical, residential community guided by Friends' principles.
Beacon Hill Friends House operates a cooperative residence for students and working people intersted in commuity living. Since 1957, between 18 and 22 people each year have made a home here based on Quaker principles of community, equality, and simplicity. Residents share responsibility for maintaining the House, for serving meals, and for planning seasonal retreats. Tolerance, honest communication, and mutual support are encouraged among residents.
The Residents
There is no one word or phrase that neatly descibes the women and men who live at the House. Many are students at graduate, undergraduate, or vocational programs in fields ranging from art to theology to engineering. Some are full-time working people. Although preference in admissions is given to Quakers, most residents come from other spiritual traditions. A diversity of ages, from a minimum of age 18, is welcomed. One or more international students often live at the House.
Residents are led to the House for many reasons: because they want to be near a Quaker meeting and live with other spiritual seekers; because they are excited by the challenge of cooperative living in a community with diverse individuals; because they have a concern for peace and social justice and want to be in a community supportive of their values. Others come simply because the House is a good place to learn English.
Contact us at
617-227-9118