The public is invited to join with the Quaker (Friends) community at the Midcoast meeting on Sunday, Oct. 4 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the founding of the meetinghouse in Damariscotta. The meetinghouse was constructed to provide a central place of worship, and to function as a location where people can learn more about Quakers. The building is located at 77 Belvedere Road.

A silent meeting for worship will be held at 10 a.m., followed by a potluck and party at 11:15 a.m. with activities for children and tours of the building.

Worship in many areas of the country, including in Damariscotta, is typically held in silent services, and the ministry that is provided by the membership. Prior to building the meetinghouse, the Quakers met for 10 years at the Skidompha Library, and in the homes of people in the area.

Quakers place a high value on individuals providing service to others. They have historically supported peaceful ways of settling conflicts and differences, and believe in the dignity and value of every person. The religion was spread throughout the American colonies in the 17th century by George Fox, a Christian, English traveling minister.

In the 19th century, many Quakers were abolitionist, and worked to eliminate slavery. They helped to feed and resettle refugees in the First and Second World Wars, and provided medical and social assistance to people injured in Vietnam.

Today, Quakers operate programs globally through their meetings (churches) and organizations to assist people suffering from conflicts, poverty and inequality, and to address environmental concerns. At the present time Quaker service work includes: providing aid for Syrian refugees, working to improve conditions in prisons, encouraging positive actions around climate change, and speaking out about the violation of Palestinians human rights, and the rights of other people around the world.

A “Peace Pole” will be inaugurated at the celebration to honor the anniversary year. Peace Poles have a single message, printed on them in many languages, that says, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” More than 200,000 Peace Poles have been constructed in countries around the world. They are universally recognized as international symbols of peace. Steven Gorry, a Waldoboro resident, built the pole that will be dedicated at the meetinghouse.