History

A Brief History of Our Church

Oxford United Methodist Church began in 1834 with ten residents meeting in homes, then later in a school. As the class grew the first church building, 40 ft. by 60 ft., was built on the old Washington Street School site. In 1858 the building was moved to near 12 N. Washington St. across from the then existing Oakland Hotel.

As the community and church grew under the leadership of Joseph Powell and Henry Vinton, $4,000 in cash and pledges was raised for a new church. On June 24, 1868 the cornerstone was laid for the new church at 21 E. Burdick St. at a cost of $8,000.00.

The building served the congregation and community faithfully and underwent a major remodeling following a cyclone in August 1934 which destroyed the beautiful spire and front of the church.

In 1960 following a major fund raising drive in which $80,000 was raised in cash and pledges, the new education unit was built that now serves as sanctuary and fellowship hall.

The church building remained the center of our worship until the energy crisis made it difficult to heat and in winter we were forced to move into the fellowship hall for services. Following a very close vote at a charge conference in 1979 the decision was made to tear down the church building and to temporarily use the fellowship hall for services.

Through our history from 1837 to 2002 we have had 60 pastors serve our congregation. Each has brought his own unique benefit to us from which a special blessing has come. We are grateful to all those from our past who have given us so great a heritage.

Jean Acheson
Church Historian