HISTORY OF BURLINGTON QUARTER - THIS IS A DRAFT!!

The roots of Burlington Quarter stretch back to 1677. Quakers fleeing religious persecution in England arrived on the ship Kent, establishing Burlington as one of the first Quaker settlements in the colonies. They immediately set about creating a place of worship, with records indicating the formation of a Monthly Meeting in 1678. This gathering, the foundation of Burlington Quarter, met for worship and to conduct community business.

By 1 683, the growing Quaker community in Burlington constructed their first Meeting House. This simple structure, still standing today and maintained by the Burlington Meeting House and Center for Conference [Burlington Meeting House & Center for Conference], served as a cornerstone for the faith in the region.

The early years of Burlington Quarter were marked by growth. By 1686, the Burlington Quarterly Meeting was established, overseeing several Monthly Meetings within its bounds. Unfortunately, the exact dates of establishment for some of these subordinate meetings remain unclear due to gaps in the archival record. However, some notable examples stand out:

The early 19th century brought a period of internal conflict within the Society of Friends. The Hicksite Separation of 1827 resulted in a split between the Orthodox and Hicksite branches. Burlington Quarter was not immune to this division, with some Monthly Meetings aligning with the Hicksite faction. The Burlington First-Day School Union, established in 1888, stands as a testament to the presence of Hicksite Quakers in the region [Archives & Manuscripts, Tri-County Libraries].

Today, the Burlington Quarter continues to be a vibrant center of Quaker life in New Jersey. The historic Burlington Meeting House remains a focal point, hosting worship services and events. Other Monthly Meetings within the Quarter may have consolidated or seen their numbers dwindle, but the core principles of peace, equality, and simplicity continue to guide the Quaker community.