GFS PA African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas

GFS PA African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas The Girls’ Friendly Society is an international, non-profit organization affiliated with the Episcopal Church for girls and young women. Julia M. Porter.

The first branch of GFS in the USA was founded in 1877. Our group is a parish-based program open to girls, ages 5-21, of any race, religion, or nationality. We provide a Christian-based support system that focuses on the emotional, physical, and spiritual growth of its members. This emphasis gives leaders and members a better understanding of themselves and their relationship with God, their famil

y, with each other, their community, and the world. The organization is composed of members, leaders, and sponsors. GFS offers programs for Juniors (ages 5-8), Intermediates (9-13), and Seniors (ages 14-21). Leaders volunteer their time to assist members with crafts, study, and service projects. They also serve as mentors to the members. Sponsors are the backbone of the organization, providing the necessary support to GFS. Leaders and Sponsors can hold an official position on a state, national, and/ or world level. A key component of our program is service to others. We serve our members by providing enriching study programs that focus on aspects of being a girl/ young female in today’s society. We serve others through our mission projects through our branch, the dioceses of PA, and abroad; to Seaman’s Church Institute, and as one of the first groups to become official observers in the United Nations, we have continually supported UNICEF. Our group is a local branch of GFS/ PA. It was first established over 65 years ago by a distinguished group of young women led by Ms. Our program follows the traditional agenda of worship, study, service and play. We are able to develop many of our own activities and events within the traditional context.

Our members have been enjoying the Holiday Season with two new activities voted on by our St. Thomas Youth Board and mem...
12/14/2025

Our members have been enjoying the Holiday Season with two new activities voted on by our St. Thomas Youth Board and members. Check out photos from our Friendsgiving and visit to the Wanamaker Light Show and Christmas Village!

The tradition of over 10 years continues. Cherry Crest Farms continues to delight our members of ALL ages. We highly rec...
11/03/2025

The tradition of over 10 years continues.
Cherry Crest Farms continues to delight our members of ALL ages. We highly recommend this farm.

Our senior members had an Archery event this past weekend!
10/27/2025

Our senior members had an Archery event this past weekend!

Our senior members and leaders went out for our Annual Tea & Sherry at the Refectory in Villanova.
10/27/2025

Our senior members and leaders went out for our Annual Tea & Sherry at the Refectory in Villanova.

Our bravest went to Lincoln Mills Haunted House!
10/27/2025

Our bravest went to Lincoln Mills Haunted House!

Our members made melted crayon pumpkins. Messy but fun!
10/27/2025

Our members made melted crayon pumpkins. Messy but fun!

Our Peyton Miller has been nominated as Junior Delegate for GFS/USA and will be representing the country as part of our ...
10/27/2025

Our Peyton Miller has been nominated as Junior Delegate for GFS/USA and will be representing the country as part of our delegation in Sri Lanka! If you see her, please congratulate her!

We were happy to see so many of our GFS sisters at our first meeting! 💙💙
10/27/2025

We were happy to see so many of our GFS sisters at our first meeting! 💙💙

10/27/2025

Our 2025-2026 GFS year has started off hot! Check out our activities this first month!

Check us out!
06/26/2025

Check us out!

Address

6361 Lancaster Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
19151

Telephone

(215) 473-3065

Website

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