New Garden Friends Meeting is an inclusive, welcoming faith community in the tradition of the Religious Society of Friends. Our members and attenders represent a wide range of religious backgrounds and traditions. Grounded in more than 250 years of Quaker heritage, New Garden remains a vital Meeting for those who seek that of God in every person.
Welcoming Friends since 1754
Meet Brenda Esch, our new pastoral minister.
Brenda Esch
Brenda Esch, a lifelong Quaker, Guilford College graduate, and most recently Head of School at Wilmington (N.C.) Friends School, became pastoral minister at New Garden Friends Meeting in September.
“I am truly honored and humbled to have been invited to step into the role of settled pastoral minister at New Garden Friends Meeting,” Esch wrote in a note to the Meeting, “and I am thrilled to say yes to this Spirit-led call.
“Our mutual discernment process was marked with energy, authenticity, and careful intention to listen deeply to each other. Together, we found clarity toward this way forward. What a joy!”
Esch earned a M. Ed. in School Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, she completed coursework in pastoral care at the Earlham School of Religion.
A longtime Friend and daughter of Quaker leaders Keith and Virginia Esch, Brenda grew up at West Richmond (Indiana) Friends Meeting and attended New Garden while a Guilford student.
Her adult children, Annie and Ryland, live in State College, Penn., with their partners. Brenda loves live music and is an avid walker, often accompanied by her pup, Bixby.
