Wesley Memorial Church, Oxford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wesley Memorial Church |
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| Wesley Memorial Methodist Church | |
East front of the church, showing the steeple
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| 51°45′11″N 1°15′39″W / 51.753165°N 1.260779°W | |
| Location | New Inn Hall Street Oxford |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Methodist Church of Great Britain |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | Charles Bell |
| Style | English Gothic/Gothic Revival |
| Years built | 1877–78 (by Joshua Symm) |
| Administration | |
| Circuit | Oxford |
| District | Northampton |
The Wesley Memorial Church is a Methodist church located in the center of Oxford, England. This church is an important place for both Christian worship and various community activities. The church building you see today was finished in 1878. Its history goes back to 1783, when the first group of Methodists was formed here. Famous brothers John and Charles Wesley, who started the Methodist movement, once studied in Oxford.
Contents
History of Wesley Memorial Church
The story of the Wesley Memorial Church begins a long time ago. The first place where Methodists in Oxford met was a building on the east side of New Inn Hall Street. Today, this building is part of Brasenose College. You can find a special plaque on its wall. This plaque reminds everyone that John Wesley himself preached there on July 4, 1783.
Moving to New Locations
After some time, the Methodist group needed a bigger space. So, they moved to a second building. This new meeting place was on the west side of New Inn Hall Street. Later, this second building was sold. Its land is now part of St Peter's College.
Building the Current Church
The church building that stands today was started in 1877. It officially opened its doors in October 1878. The architect who designed it was Charles Bell. He used a style called Gothic Revival. This style looks like the old Decorated Gothic buildings from many centuries ago. Joshua Symm was the builder who constructed the church. Inside, the capitals (the tops of the columns) were carved by Henry Frith from Gloucester. These carvings are special because they show twelve different kinds of English plants.
Images for kids
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The east front by night, showing the Gothic Revival tracery of the east window
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Church tower, pictured from St Michael's Street
