Kingsland Homestead
QUAKER MEETING HOUSE
Friends Meeting House was built in 1694 by John Bowne, whose
residence is described in this section, and other Quakers. It’s
the first house of worship in Flushing and New York’s oldest
structure in continuous use for religious purposes. The second
oldest meeting house in the United States, it also has national,
state, and city landmark status.
The two-story building’s architecture reflects Quaker restraint
and simplicity although an unusually steep roof shows some
Dutch influence. The walls and roof are shingled and the inside
features dark floorboards, no frills benches, and hand-made
timber frames.
Quakers did not use headstones until the mid 1820s, so it’s difficult
to determine all of those who are buried in the graveyard, but it’s
the final resting place for a number of prominent members. These
include noted abolitionists William Burling and Matthew Franklin;
Samuel Leggett, who founded The New York Gas Light Company;
John Murray Jr., who co-founded the Free School Society and The
Society for the Manumission of Slaves. John Bowne rests in an
umarked grave on site.
All are welcome to Sunday worship at 11 am and guided tours at
noon. Pre-arranged tours at other times are possible.
Inside scoop: The Quakers would secretly meet in the Flushing
woods before they had this meeting house.
Address: 137-16 Northern Blvd., Flushing, and www.nyym.org.
80 QUEENS IN YOUR POCKET • www.itsinqueens.com
/www.nyym.org
/www.itsinqueens.com
/www.nyym.org
/www.itsinqueens.com
