Are you interested in being married at Stony Run Meeting in the traditional Quaker manner?
Quaker weddings differ from a traditional religious ceremony in significant ways. There is no one who officiates. Based on the tenet that only God can join a couple in marriage, the couple enters the meeting room together, as equals, and marries in the presence of God, their family, friends and members of the Meeting. Couples may be of any gender.
A Quaker wedding is a Meeting for Worship
There is a period of silent worship during which those present may be moved to speak regarding the union of this couple. A marriage certificate is signed by all in attendance as witnesses to the marriage, thus meeting one of the legal requirements validating this marriage and affirming the community’s support of the couple.
Marriages Under the Care of the Meeting
Couples, one or both of whom are members of the Religious Society of Friends or who are regular attenders, may be married at Baltimore Monthly Meeting of Friends, Stony Run, under the care of the Meeting.
To be married under the care of the Meeting, the couple needs to make their request to the Community, Care and Clearness Committee at least four months before the wedding. A marriage license from the local county, city or other state office is required to ensure the legality of the wedding (in our case that’s Baltimore City).
Marriages in the Meetinghouse
Sometimes couples do not wish to be married under the care of the Meeting. Couples not directly connected with the Meeting but who are related to Friends School (faculty or former students) or other Friends organizations may be married in the Meetinghouse by making arrangements with a clergy person or public official of their choosing and clearing the date with the Stony Run Meeting office.
End of Life Care
We know that the circle of life includes endings as well as beginnings. Our Community, Care and Clearness Committee provides support to families facing end of life concerns. Our Ministry and Counsel Committee is also available to provide spiritual and pastoral care as needed.
Please see the following resources:
Memorial Services
Stony Run supports our community through memorial services and Quaker Memorial Meetings for Worship. A Quaker Memorial Meeting for Worship is held under the care of Meeting (similar to the description for weddings above) and is open to members and attenders of Stony Run Friends Meeting.
People who have been involved with Stony Run as current or previous Members, Attenders, or who have a connection to Friends School of Baltimore may request to use the meetinghouse to host their memorial service (not under the care of the Meeting). Unfortunately, Stony Run does not rent our facilities to the general public at this time.
If you are interested in having a wedding or memorial service at Stony Run, please contact the office.
Historic Friends Burial Ground
The Friends Burial Ground (2506 Harford Rd) is the oldest cemetery in Baltimore, established in 1713. The earliest legible marker dates from 1802. The burial ground retains its historic integrity with approximately 1900 simple grave markers within its fieldstone walls (built in the 1860s). It has been in continuous use since its inception.
The Sexton’s House was built in 1861. Friends Burial Ground was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
Plots are available. Visitation is possible by appointment. Contact the office for further information.
