Did you know that Upper Chichester Township has a close personal connection to President Abraham Lincoln?
Visitors traversing the storied grounds of Chichester Friends Meetinghouse at 611 Meetinghouse Road will be getting up close and
personal with Mordecai Lincoln, the president’s great grandfather who is buried at the historic site. Other people buried at the
Meetinghouse graveyard include members of the Lenape Indian tribe, resting near a large tree.

Attendees at the start of the Upper Chichester Library’s Local History lecture series will learn about these interesting historical facts. The
free program starts June 28 at 2 pm at the library, 3374 Chichester Ave. #19, with Dr. Judy Reese discussing Chichester Meetinghouse.
The final lecture will be held July 12 at 2 pm. Since space is limited, call (610) 485-0200 or visit the library to register.

Dr. Reese has been Meetinghouse docent for three years and gives free guided tours. Call (610) 494-1361 to make an appointment.
Established in 1688, the meetinghouse was rebuilt after a fire in 1769 and reflects its Quaker heritage. The stone building was added to
the National Register of Historic places in 1973. The seven-acre site also includes a caretaker’s house, barn, carriage shed and a
wooded area with a walking path under construction.

The building played a role in the Revolutionary War as it was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Pointing to bullet holes on the
front door, Dr. Reese said they were the actions of the British Army foraging troops after the Battle of Brandywine in 1777. “The
Redcoats did it to annoy their enemies, not to harm anyone inside,” she noted.

The original building was used as a subsidiary meetinghouse for the Upland Friends. The building still houses two meetings a year for
Quaker worship which are open to the public. “Quakers are an inclusive group who believe that every person is loved and guided by
God,” Dr. Reese remarked
—
submitted by:
Elizabeth Barnes,
Director
Upper Chichester Library