A history of Wesley Memorial

(See also A history of John Wesley in Oxford)

New Inn Hall Street, in which Wesley Memorial Church is situated, has a connection with the Wesley family dating to the time before John's birth, for it takes its name from a Hall of the University of Oxford, where John's grandfather, also John, had been a student. The Hall disappeared years ago, its site being occupied by St. Peter's College.

The first Methodist Meeting House in Oxford was in the building now numbered 32-34 New Inn Hall Street, which, then as now, was part of Brasenose College. A plaque on the wall commemorates the fact that John Wesley preached there on 4 July 1783, and on several later occasions.

In spite of local opposition, the Methodist cause grew, and it was decided to build a new meeting-house further down the street and on the opposite side of the road. Before the site was sold, its owner, Daniel Harris, had to get a doctor's certificate stating that he was perfectly sane and capable of managing his business affairs - his relatives were sure that his willingness to sell land for a Methodist meeting-house was a sure sign of his insanity! This meeting-house stood some distance back from the road, behind the present church; it stood until fairly recently, having been sold to St Peter's College, which pulled it down to erect new buildings. The architect was William Jenkins, who took up the profession after 22 years as a Methodist preacher, and is reputed to have taken King George III to a Class Meeting. The foundation stone was laid in May 1817, the building contractor was Daniel Evans, and the place was opened for worship in February 1818. The site had cost £1270 and building itself £2965 0s. 1d.

By mid-century, the cause was flourishing, and it was decided to build a new premises, rather than refurbish the old. As a result, the present Wesley Memorial Church was built, the architect being Charles Bell, the builder Joshua Symm. Foundation stones were laid in July 1877, and the building was opened for worship in October 1878, the old building being converted to classrooms and a lecture room; the total expenditure was £13,000 8s. 2d. Although the building on the whole followed the conventional Gothic style, the capitals of the pillars show not only originality but considerable beauty and craftsmanship. They were carved by Henry Frith of Gloucester, and show twelve different kinds of English plants; they are worthy of close attention. The window at the back of the east gallery is original in conception and design, its theme being flowers of the English countryside.

It is a memorial to Rev. G. Maunder under whose ministry the building of the church had begun, but who died a few months before it was completed. Of the two other stained glass windows in the gallery, the first depicting the Risen Lord, with Simeon and Anna, was given by Miss A. Boffin in memory of her parents; the other, depicting Faith, Hope and Charity, was given by the builder, Mr Symm, in memory of his daughter and son-in-law, Hannah and Joseph Lawton, MD. The striking modern font was designed by a member of the church, Mr G. Beard, FRIBA.

The tapestry on the south side of the sanctuary was embroidered by Pat Russel of Abingdon. It was commissioned by the Higman family as a memorial to members of their family. The sentences are taken from the Covenant Service which is the special annual occasion when Methodists renew their allegiance to God. The organ was built for the church by Nicholsons of Worcester when it opened in 1878. It was modified by them in 1892, and rebuilt by Henry Willis and Sons in 1950. In 1993, it was completely rebuilt with new mechanical action by Bishop and Son of Ipswich, as an instrument of two manuals and pedals. There are 29 stops. There is a memorial at the back of the choir to Cyril D. Parker, MA, church 1938-65. The Communion Table and a brass on the wall commemorate Rev. W.B. Brash, MA, B.Litt., BD, 1877-1951, who was Pastor of the church for seven years, and then served on the Staff of Didsbury Ministerial Training College for 20 years, first as Tutor and then as Principal. Nearby is a tablet commemorating Charles E. Hacker, who is also commemorated by the cross on the Communion Table. Rev. Grainger Hargreaves, who served the Methodist Church in both China and England, is commemorated by another brass. He was for 18 years Chairman of the Oxford District and Superintendent of the Oxford Circuit. On the opposite wall is a tablet commemorating Ernest E. Genner, Fellow of Oriel College, a member of the church from his undergraduate days. There is also a memorial to those who fell in the 1914-18 war who were members of the Walton Street Church, now closed; members of Wesley Memorial, including one who won the Victoria Cross, are commemorated on a brass at the rear of the church. A small stretch of the ancient city wall may be seen along the exterior of the church forming the boundary with the University Department of History.