Personality and Place: The Life and Times of Pendle Hill: The Story of a Quaker Center for Study and Contemplation by Douglas Gwyn (review)

In the first sentence of his preface, author Douglas Gwyn’s use of the phrase “transformative force” sets the tone for this remarkable narrative of an exceptional place. This new history of Pendle Hill is engaging and informative, chronicling the way in which this unique retreat center has grown and changed through the decades. It also speaks of how its influence has so often been the catalyst for transformation within singular 20th century Quakers who in turn brought, and bring, significant change to the Religious Society of Friends and the wider world.

Gwyn wishes his work to be seen as a companion to the 50th Anniversary history by Eleanore Price Mather. As a biblical theologian, Gwyn offers the reader a spiritually contextualized history of this particular place through the decades of its existence, chronicling the Pendle Hill community’s endeavor to be guided and motivated by the Spirit. That this endeavor is coupled with the strong influence of “personalism” (as antithetical to “individualism”) opens a new avenue to understanding the growth and trajectory of this Quaker center for study and contemplation.

The text is generously illustrated with photographs of the personalities that created, influenced and nurtured Pendle Hill as well as some of the luminaries (Friends and others) that were drawn by the beckoning light that Pendle Hill emanates. The personality that is the physical space of Pendle Hill is also featured in photographs, the peaceful and lovely grounds, interiors and exteriors of the buildings, the giant beech tree, all of which appear as threads throughout the text.

In the course of 80 years, international Friends have come to Pendle Hill to be refreshed and to go forth transformed and enlivened for the healing, restorative work so desperately needed in the world. Gwyn’s vignettes of these inspired and inspiring Friends, illustrating how their contributions and presence affected Pendle Hill, also appear as colorful threads in this narrative.

Gwyn captures many of the personalities and their influence on Pendle Hill in succinct yet substantive sections which include the nuance of the prevailing worldly culture as well as the impact of the shifting Quaker culture in which Pendle Hill is as much an actor, as acted upon.

These intimate portrayals of engagement are deftly woven into the larger tapestry of Pendle Hill history. Through Gwyn’s meticulous work, Pendle Hill is revealed in colorful, tangible ways; a Bayeux Tapestry capturing both everyday detail and the whole of life in community.

In true community there are levels of conflict and chaos that are a part of growing into and maintaining the Blessed Community, written of so beautifully by Thomas Kelly. Pendle Hill’s struggle to stay both responsive to the challenges presented by the changes in the world and relevant to the shifting needs of Friends and others drawn to Pendle Hill had necessitated visioning and re-visioning throughout the years, often at great cost to those involved. These sometimes seismic shifts are tenderly and compassionately treated by the author.

Gwyn’s Personality and Place: The Life and Times of Pendle Hill is an illuminating, multi-faceted narrative and will be of interest whether you enjoy a lifelong relationship with Pendle Hill or you have never been and are wishing to learn about this extraordinary Quaker center.