The Oxford Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1836 under the leadership of
the Reverend William Craig. The first building was constructed on Van Buren Avenue, however,
in 1851 a site on Jackson Avenue was purchased and a new building erected.Some noted persons, who were members of the church, include Charles B. Galloway, William Lambuth and L. Q. C. Lamar.
This original structure on Jackson Avenue was replaced with a brick building in 1890. Prior to 1925 there were numerous discussion sessions regarding construction of a new church plant; however, during the depression, funds for construction were not available. Because of the strategic position of the church in ministry to students, a joint committee, under the leadership of the Reverend S. H. Caffey, set forth a proposed project of $100,000 with the suggestion that the local church pay 50% and the remaining 50% be paid jointly by the two conferences. The property on University Avenue and South 10th Street was purchased in December of 1936 while the Reverend W. R. Lott was serving as pastor. The first service of worship in this location was held on August 29, 1937.
Under the pastorship of the Reverend W. J. Cunningham (1942-1946), plans for the
sanctuary were approved with a divided chancel and seating capacity of slightly over six hundred.
At that time the name of the church was changed to Oxford-University Methodist Church.
The sanctuary was constructed in late 1949 and early 1950 under the leadership of the Reverend H. Ellis Finger, Jr. The first service of worship was held on May 20, 1950. The chapel was remodeled to become a social hall and student lounge, becoming Wesley Hall.
The Reverend A. L. Meadows was pastor when property adjacent to the church was purchased for future expansion. Planning for a youth center and additional educational rooms was begun under the Reverend Blanton M. Doggett. The Reverend Duncan A. Clark served the church during the construction of the educational unit in 1963. The building was occupied in 1964.
In 1986, the congregation undertook a major renovation program with over $200,000 being invested in updating the church facilities. These buildings will now continue to provide a comfortable and attractive place for worship and service in the years to come.
The history of the church is still being written as we continue to grow in membership and
in service through its programs. The church membership is now 1,048.
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