A view of the barn. Photo: Courtesy of Pendle Hill.

‘The sense of community was palpable, and included me.’

Community building: Jennifer Kavanagh recounts her time at Pendle Hill Quaker Center for Study and Contemplation

‘The sense of community was palpable, and included me.’

by Jennifer Kavanagh 7th February 2025

Last year I was appointed by Britain Yearly Meeting to spend a term at Pendle Hill, Pennsylvania, as a Friend-in-residence (FiR). As an associate tutor of its sister centre, Woodbooke, I had long wanted to go to this centre with its Benedictine values of worship, learning and labour. I was not disappointed. Although there were practical problems early on, it was a hugely enriching experience.