“How can we think of ourselves as equals when we are so different from each other?” With this query written and presented by Middle Schoolers, the first meeting for worship in the new Quaker meetinghouse on the school’s Wisconsin Avenue campus was underway.

At 8:15 a.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 14, the Middle School and Upper School, respectively, with faculty, staff, and guests, silently filed into the newly renovated meeting space. Formerly the Kenworthy Gym, the Robert L. Smith Meeting Room has a seating capacity of 600. It is named in honor of Sidwell Friends School’s sixth head of school.

Head of School Tom Farquhar spoke briefly and read aloud the certificate of dedication. He welcomed former heads of school Bruce Stewart and Bob Smith and introduced members of the Board of Trustees. Following meeting for worship, participants were invited to sign one of four signature archival posters that will hang in the hallway outside the meeting room.