Cropwell’s infrastructure got a big upgrade this week. Thanks to a generous gift from the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting’s Quaker Buildings & Programs Granting Group, the building’s electric was rewired, and fire safety upgrades and security lighting were installed. The work was done by Front Line Electric of Glendora, N.J., who were prompt, professional, and courteous.
The Cropwell Friends Meetinghouse, built in 1809, was very much in need of work. The last known update to the electrical wiring took place in the 1920s. The type of wiring used at that time was “knob-and-tube,” which does not have a ground system for safety. This doesn’t necessarily make the wiring unsafe to use, but it does rule out important safety features and leaves appliances and sensitive electronics vulnerable to damage from power surges.
Exterior lighting was also installed for safety and security purposes.
Stewardship & Community
The work on the meetinghouse spoke to the stewardship and community testimonies of Friends.
The current Cropwell Meetinghouse structure was built in 1809. It is on the historic registry but like all old buildings, it has needs and those needs have price tags. It is our responsibility to be good stewards to maintain the structure for current and future members.
Cropwell has a small number who attend regularly, but there is cohesion and commitment which has increased in intensity over the past year, and there is an openness to increasing and strengthening that community. We have received letters requesting membership from four individuals within the last year and have received loving support from members within Haddonfield Quarter.
This article was originally published at www.cropwellquakers.org.
