50th Timeline: 1987 – A New Connection with Salem Quarter

The last entry discussed the arrival of a new Head of School.  As an outsider to the Society of Friends who nevertheless shared many of their concerns, John Brown proved to be a strong advocate for building connections between local Quakers and the School.  The school had begun under the care of Woodbury Meeting and had come to partner with Mullica Hill Meeting, and many individual Quakers from the area supported the School.  Indeed, in 1985, Amos Peaslee Bond had made a major contribution to the School by creating a scholarship fund in the memory of his wife Eleanor Davis Bond.  That important fund, and other donations from local Friends, have long helped the school continue its policy of financial aid for those unable to afford the school’s full tuition.  Despite the support of such individuals, the School had no formal relationship with the other meetings in the local area.  John Brown’s efforts in this regard succeeded, creating a new relationship with Salem Quarter, the organization that brought together seven local meetings four times a year for worship and business.  Beginning in 1987, the Quarter designated two members to become Trustees, Linda Jeffries and Chip Thomas.   The school began to visit various meetings in the Quarter and to work with them on charitable causes and in visiting the elderly at Friends Village in Woodstown.  The relationship with Salem Quarter has remained strong and one of John Brown’s many lasting contributions to the life of Friends School Mullica Hill.