Standing at the entryway of the preschool building at Westfield Friends School that will be part of upcoming renovations are Finance and Operations Director Carol Beaton (left to right), Advancement and Communications Director Lily Taylor and Head of School Margaret Haviland.
In 1788, the first Westfield Friends School students walked into the home of Abraham Warrington to be educated, and by 1791, were walking into a new school building thanks to his fundraising efforts.
The Westfield Preparative Meeting in 1801 built its second building on the property – the original Meeting House facing the old Lenni-Lenape trail – traveling by horse and carriage on what is now Route 130.
After a fire in 1859, the building was recontructed and is now used for 2-year-old preschool students, while the 3-year-olds have classes at the former Bayard’s Chocolate building that the Quakers purchased and renamed the Rushmore House.
“The preschool building dates back to 1860,” said Head of School Margaret Haviland. “Originally, it was the Meeting House. Its structure and surrounding areas are long overdue for upgrades and repairs to create a safe, secure and nurturing environment for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
“The preschool building sits in the very heart of Cinnaminson at the corner of Riverton Road and Route 130.”
Thanks to the efforts of Haviland; Carol Beaton, director of finance and operations; and Lily Taylor, director of advancement and communications, the landmark township building will be repaired and renovated.
“We are really excited about the project,” Haviland acknowledged. “We received four grants to fund it.”
The money came from the SNAVE Foundation, the D’Olier Foundation, the Tyson Memorial Fund and the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Building Program.
Beaton said the renovations will include rebuilding the front entryway, repaving the now-roped-off brick sidewalks leading to it, fixing the roof and various other needed repairs.
“It’s absolutely important to maintain the history we have here,” noted Taylor, adding that the first Quakers settled in the area during the 1650s, shortly after the arrival of William Penn in Philadelphia. “It’s so much part of the community.”
The basic tenet of the Quakers is that “God is in every person,” Haviland explained. “We stress academics, social and emotional growth, artistic abilities and a spiritual life.”
Open to all denominations, Westfield Friends School for K-8 has Muslim, Jewish, Sikh and Catholic students currently attending. It consists of seven connected buildings facing Riverton Road. The current Meeting House was built in 1963 and is situated between the main school and the preschool building.
“Taking care of the buildings is part of our stewardship,” Haviland emphasized. “It’s how we act on our faith.”
The inclusiveness was started by the founder, Warrington, who was also among the first teachers in the 18th century. He helped establish the Westfield School Fund so meeting members could purchase subscriptions to support the school, and the interest was used for scholarships for local children “of low circumstances” and for the education of African American children. Those who could afford it paid tuition.
According to the school’s website, “In the 1860s, there were a significant number of African American students at the school. In 1871, a free public- school system was established in New Jersey that reduced the enrollment at Westfield. The primary school closed and the select school continued for all students. Where Westfield Friends School educated students of all races together, those who went to public schools were segregated by race.”
The idea that everyone is equal is also a tenet of the Quaker faith.
“Quaker tradition didn’t have hired ministers,” Haviland said, adding that “anyone can be called by God to speak.” Westfield Friends School emphasizes art, writing, literature, math and science.
“Our graduates are very ready for high school.”
And now, thanks to the upcoming renovation project, 2-year-olds starting their educational journey will do it in a refurbished building facing Route 130 that is one of the oldest structures in Cinnaminson.
