Membership Recorder's Annual Report for 2009:
We began 2009 with 140 members, including sixteen minors. Over the course of the year, we added six new members (including one by transfer) and lost four through death, for a net gain of two members. Total at year end: 142 members.
We remember tenderly those whom we lost last year:
John Shoffner
Thomas Bartlett
Laurence G. Claggett, Sr.
Wayne Flanagan
And we welcome with joy new members:
John Winterbottom (by transfer)
Robert Gladney
[A. P.-Z.]
Constance Pullen
Michael Pullen
Joan Wetmore
Our Numbers in the Context of PYM:
Based on year-end 2008 figures, the latest which have been compiled, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting has a total of 11,511 members in its 13 Quarters. Southern Quarter is the smallest quarter, with only 257 members, or 2.2% of PYM membership. All except four quarters of PYM experienced declines in 2008. Not only was the Southern Quarter one of those with a gain in membership, but was the greatest gain—12 members. (n.b., Third Haven accounts for 55% of Southern Quarter membership.)
The Future:
Third Haven is holding its own and more in terms of membership numbers. While the high proportion of older members remains a concern, we are experiencing slow and steady growth in participation and membership among younger age groups. The strength of the meeting and the promise for the future is the more seasoned members who will guide us all and the influx ofyounger members keeping us fresh and open to new views.
Respectfully submitted, Candace Shattuck, Membership Recorder
Final Note: Just this past week, PYM offered Recorders the option of accessing and updating their own records. I have said yes and am just beginning the process.