The Blue Idol Quaker Meeting, near Coolham, West Sussex

The home of The Blue Idol Quaker Meeting is the historic 17th century Blue Idol Meeting House situated close to the West Sussex villages of Coolham, Billingshurst and Thakeham. The name Blue Idol probably derives from 'blue idle' when the building was blue-washed and left empty for some years.

The Blue Idol is a very special place with a rich history of significant interest to the Quaker community as well as local historians.  William Penn from nearby Warminghurst Place was both the founder of this Meeting House and the City of Philadelphia.  Many local Quakers sailed to America on the ship Welcome with Penn in 1682. We host and give talks to a nubmer of visiting groups from other churches, universities and history groups each year as well as Quakers locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. We are now twinned with Central Philadelphia Monthly meetin in Pennsylvania in US.  

Meeting for Worship, usually just called 'meeting', is held at the Blue Idol every Sunday at 10.30am and open to all. Children's meeting is held on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month.

Attending Meeting for Worship

Meeting for Worship is at the centre of Quaker life. The Meeting House is simple, there are no ornaments or religious symbols, nor is there an appointed minister or pastor. The responsibility of the meeting belongs to all of us.

The meeting lasts for an hour and begins as the first Quaker sits. As others arrive we sit in a 'gathered' silence which grows deeper as the meeting progresses. Here we open ourselves to the love of God and to that of God in each of us.

There is often a noticeable point when the meeting 'settles'. Many friends believe that this is the time when God comes among us. Anyone may stand and speak when he or she feels inspired to do so, this is known as 'vocal ministry'.

The meeting ends with the simple shake of hands.  Visitors are welcomed and there is tea and biscuits and sometimes a shared lunch or business meeting. Most weeks we have visitors; often they will be Friends (as Quakers are known) and attenders from other meetings. Many will be visiting the area from the UK and overseas, who just come to see what Quaker worship is all about. Some come to experience the silence and spirituality.

Often people who enter the Blue Idol for the first time feel that they have 'spiritually come home'. The age of the Meeting House gives a strong sense of continuing life and it is not hard to 'feel' the the years of continued worship that the building has witnessed.

If you would like to join us at a Meeting for Worship please come a few minutes early. To find our full address and map link, please go to our Contact Us page.

Vistors are always welcome to visit the Meeting House and the William Penn Memorial Garden at other times. Our peaceful, natural garden is open every day. It  encourages quiet contemplation and celebrates William Penn's life and achievements.

The Blue Idol can also be available to organisations seeking a suitable venue to hire.  If you require further details of times when the Blue Idol is open, or if you would like to have more information about Quaker worship or attending a meeting, please click here.

Disabled Access

The Meeting House is suitable for wheelchair access, however we regret that wheelchair access to the toilets is not available.