This plain brick building dates from 1804, but William Penn gave the land to his Religious Society of Friends in 1693. In this capital city of Quakers, the Meeting House opens its doors to 12,000 local Friends for worship during the last week in March each year. Quakers believe in direct, unmediated guidance by the Holy Spirit. There is little or no hierarchy among Friends. Worship is referred to as "meeting," a time when individuals come together and speak if so moved. This particular meetinghouse is spartan. There is no pulpit. Wooden benches face one another. Other areas of the Meeting House display Bibles, clothing, and implements of Quaker life past and present, along with a simple history of the growth of the religion and the life of William Penn.