St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford facts for kids
St Columba's United Reformed Church is a church in the heart of Oxford, England. It belongs to the United Reformed Church (URC) group. You can find it on Alfred Street, which is just off the main High Street.
Contents
The Church's Story
How St Columba's Began
St Columba's Church started in 1908. It was first a special place for Presbyterian students at Oxford University. It was a joint effort by three different churches from Scotland and England.
Becoming Part of the URC
In 1929, it officially became a church within the Presbyterian Church of England. Later, in 1972, the Presbyterian and Congregational churches joined together to form the United Reformed Church (URC). St Columba's then became a part of this new group.
Supporting University Students
Today, the church still helps students at the University of Oxford. It provides a welcoming place for those from Reformed, Presbyterian, and Congregational church backgrounds.
Famous People Connected to the Church
Some well-known people have been part of the St Columba's community. These include John Buchan, who was a church leader, and Ran Laurie and his son Hugh. Guy Warrack, a musician, was also an organist here.
The Church Building
Building Design and Features
The church building itself was finished in 1915. It was designed by an architect named T. P. Figgis. The first stone was laid in 1914 by James Bryce, 1st Viscount Bryce. Some of the money to build it came from two sisters, Agnes and Margaret Smith, who were known as the 'Sisters of the Sinai'. The church has a long main hall called a nave and a smaller, rectangular area at the front called a chancel. The beautiful stained glass windows in the chancel were made by Theodora Salusbury.
Changes to the Entrance
In 1960, the front courtyard of the church was changed. A new entrance area, called a vestibule, was added. This part was designed by E. Brian Smith. A famous writer about buildings, Pevsner, once said the church building was 'well-mannered'.
Church Leaders
Many ministers have served at St Columba's Church over the years. They include:
- Revd David Lusk
- Revd Roy Drummond Whitehorn
- Revd Ray Bailey
- Revd John Thornton
- Revd Caryl Micklem (1978–1990)
- Revd Wesley Workman (1990–1992)
- Revd Dr Susan Durber (1995–2007)
- Revd Dr Carla Grosch-Miller (2008–2016)
- Revd Helen Garton (since 2018)
Since 2001, St Columba's Church has shared its ministers with Cumnor United Reformed Church.
