The book summarizes the story of Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting and also Quaker history as seen in Philadelphia in the 19th and 20th century. To understand the history of the two meetings, Race Street and 12th Street, that became Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, "is to know the story of Philadelphia Quakers for almost two centuries: their concerns, their tragic separation, and their eventual healing."

Contains the history of Twelfth Street Meeting and Race Street Meeting as well as the history of Central Philadelphia Meeting, which they combined to make.