Comments on: Plain Quaker Dressing at FGC

By: maco

maco — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 17:18:00 +0000

Well, I know you asked this a long time ago (actually, shortly before I found Quakers), but I’ll answer:

1. I wear either a solid-color dress of natural fibers (wool, linen, etc.) or a black skirt and a button-up blouse. I have knee-high wool socks, black boots, a headcovering.
2. Certainly in my meeting, we’re active. Several non-profits were started out of this meeting. I think we tend to lean more toward social justice than environmental justice, but I certainly see them tied up in each other.
3. Yes, I do cover. I sew my own out of linen.
4. I live in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC and know at least 4 other Friends who are currently plain in this area. There is also a Beachy Amish Mennonite church in DC.

By: Martin Kelley

Martin Kelley — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:02:00 +0000

In reply to JPR. Hi Jim: as luck would have it, I got around to making a little video about de-collaring a shirt a few months ago.

By: JPR

JPR — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:33:00 +0000

Hello Martin,

Did you ever try that bit about removing the collar? If so, could you point me to the post where you described it? I have been interested in going plain and slowly have been doing so. I’d like to remove the collar from some of my shirts to see how it goes.

Peace,
Jim

By: Mary

Mary — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 01:16:00 +0000

What an interesting read! As with another response to this post, I also go back and forth with my plainness. I call myself "moderately plain". It may be jeans and a simple sweater during the winter, then handmade dresses the other three seasons. I enjoy just wearing simple denim skirts and t-shirts. I have been receiving leadings to plainness for about five years, just seriously listened the past year. Even though I am drawn to covering (headcoverings), I have not done so. I wear no makeup, little jewelry and no longer dye my hair. My young boys love telling people that their mother isn't fancy! I stick out like a sore thumb at times and I know that I am probably mocked quietly behind my back, but to me, it's almost like a bit of "suffering" for my beliefs. Once people know me, they understand. My husband is very supportive, but my parents don't understand.....very materialistic, the more jewelry and makeup, the better, etc. I just can't be like that.....simple and plain is calling for me, and I am finally listening! I may spend more money on handmade items or better quality fair trade clothes, and I may also spend more time considering my clothing than I ever had before, but to me it's a part of my prayer. The peacefulness and simplicity of it all just soothes my soul. I visit Lancaster County, PA, quite often and feel most at home there. I dream of living amongst other Plain dressing people, even though not all are Friends, but the recognition is there. You can see it in their kind smiles as a silent acknowledgement that they feel as I do, that there is peace in my heart and soul, and people can truly see it without flashy clothing or accessories blocking your true self. That's all, moderately plain I am, and I am so very blessed by it! Peace and Blessings my Friends!

By: Robert Russo

Robert Russo — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:15:38 +0000

Hi my name is Robert.
I am very encouraged reading this blog and the comments on here.
I grew up in Eastern Long Island and Western North Carolina. In Long Island I was raised near the intersections of Quaker path, Christian Ave. and Friends Rd. There used to be a lot more Quaker influence around. While praying one day I felt a very strong conviction to seek out the “plain” church. It was something that I’ve been ignoring as I knew it wouldn’t be easy but then I realized that I was going to have to start moving in that direction.
That was some time ago. I now am studying at a Mennonite Seminary in Va. but am one of the only more “plain” dressed people there. I attend a few different worship services at a few different meeting houses on Sunday morning and one on Saturday evening. Of those 2 of them are more plain and one even has a handful of folks who up to recently have been Old Order.
However sometimes I wonder if I’m quite at home. much of this has to do with gaging how active we are in actually working for peace beyond the local level. My mother has always been a strong supporter of the Friends.
Therefore I have a few questions for everyone who considers them selves a “plain” Friend.
I ask this because I’m intrigued that y’all are making the move in that manner. Especially because like me, no one said you had to we’re just doing it based from our own scripture reading and prayer life.
1‑What characteristics make up your plain outfits, or “plainness”?
2- How active do you feel we as Christians in politics and peacemaking/ environmental/social justice?
3‑For the women-do you wear head coverings?
4‑where are y’all from/ live at now? would love to meet for fellowship with more plain brothers and sisters in Christ.
Thank you- Grace and Peace to you all,
God Bless,
Robert

By: Kody Gabriel

Kody Gabriel — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 23:40:53 +0000

Now you have me wondering about those collar-removal tips. Ready to share yet? 😉

By: Martin Kelley

Martin Kelley — Tue, 31 Aug 2004 10:58:27 +0000

Hi Dixie, Ouch!, what a disturbing incident. Am I surprised? Well, not really. A lot of Friends find plain dressing threatening. I've found this especially true of some of Peace Quakers, who don't want to think about theology and really don't want to talk about tests of discernment that might question the motivation of their activism. Even though you weren't questioning this elder, your dress implied that maybe there is something more to Quakerism than holding a sign at the federal building. I suspect there's a lot of generational stuff going too. Your story reminds me of my own and of the reasons I haven't stepped foot in my Meetinghouse for over a year now. Telling stories isn't helpful though. As I understand it, proper Gospel Order dictates that you should tell this Friend that it wasn't acceptable behavior (you can bring along someone to be there with you) and then talk to the overseers in your Meeting if the problems persists. Honestly: I can't say you'll feel any better and you might be in for a rude awakening at just how thoroughly your Meeting runs from conflict and from doing the right thing ("speaking truth to power" shouldn't just be a slogan Friends reserve for the federal government). In times like these I find consolation from the old journals of Quaker ministers: every one who's ever done anything interesting has suffered through the opposition of their fellow Quakers. May the Christ hold you in comfort through this frustrating and demoralizing time.

By: Dixie Rosendall

Dixie Rosendall — Mon, 30 Aug 2004 16:09:55 +0000

Just read, My Experiments with Plainness and Plain Quaker Dressing at FGC. I have Friends/friends that dress plain (they are the only family in our meeting that dress plain) and I have been trying it out off and on. I bought an Amish cap resently and I wore it to meeting. After meeting (and when I was relatively alone in the room) an elder Friend came up to me (I was seated) and struck a blow to my hat and, thus, my head with her hand. This from a woman who stands on the corner of our city, near the federal building, every week to stand up for peace and non-violence and teaches workshops on non-violent conflict resolution. I guess if it’s personal it’s OK to use violence!!?? I guess you can tell that I am still upset about it. I really appreciate being able to read your contributions from your experiences. And thanks for listening to my frustrations.
Peace and Blessings,
Dixie Rosendall
Grand Rapids, MI