Historical Introduction

Quakers, or Friends, began in England in during the mid-1600’s. Friends, first led by George Fox, were disillusioned by their experience in the state church and found that they could have a direct, personal encounter with Christ. In his Journal Fox recorded these words:

And when all my hopes in them and in all men were gone, so that I had nothing outwardly, to help me, nor could tell what to do; then, O then, I heard a voice which said ‘There is one, even Christ Jesus, that can speak to thy condition.’ When I heard it, my heart did leap for joy. Then the Lord let me see why there was none upon the earth that could speak to my condition, namely, that I might give him all the glory. For all are concluded under sin, and shut up in unbelief, as I had been, that Jesus Christ might have the pre-eminence, who enlightens, and gives grace, faith, and power. Thus when God doth work, who shall let (hinder) it?

The term Friends was adopted by George Fox and his followers in reference to Jesus’ words as recorded in the Gospel of John, chapter 15, verses 13-15.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

The term Quaker was originally a mocking reference to George Fox by judge Gervase Bennet, who called Fox and those who followed him “Quakers” after Fox told him he should “tremble at the word of the Lord”. Friends embraced the term while retaining the official name Religious Society of Friends. The movement in its early days faced strong opposition and persecution, but it continued to expand across the world.

Quakers have been influential in many social reforms. Quakers played important roles in movements to abolish slavery, to promote equal rights for women, and to promote peace. Friends worked to promote education and the humane treatment of prisoners and the mentally ill.

Over the years, Friends have formed and re-formed into several different branches and organizations (usually called yearly meetings) with differing beliefs and emphases, a process that continues today.

There is much historical information about Friends or Quakers available online. Friends Church Southwest has an historical introduction in its Faith and Practice that many find helpful. And there are the usual sources in online encyclopedias and articles.

The Beginnings of Long Beach Friends Church

Officially recognized by Iowa Yearly Meeting of Friends in 1892 after beginning as a home Bible class in 1888. The Long Beach Friends Church was the fourth church founded in the community of Long Beach. Long Beach Friends Church was a founding meeting of California Yearly Meeting of Friends, now known as Friends Church Southwest.

The church has seen many changes in the Long Beach community, adjusting its witness to the needs and changes of the people of the city. In our diverse, multi-ethnic city, the Lord has raised up a diverse, multi-ethnic church where we worship in at least three languages (English, Khmer, and Spanish) and speak many more even as we are all are one in Christ.

Today, it is our goal to be a growing and powerful testimony of God’s continuing power and love in downtown Long Beach, at Ninth and Atlantic.

Check out our 125th Anniversary materials for more information.