Our Church - Cumnor URC, Leys Road, Cumnor, Oxford OX2 9QF

History of the Chapel

It was founded in 1845 as a Congregational Chapel, a mission church from a neighbouring village. Its beginnings were marked by controversy as some of the local villagers made such a loud protest when worship began at the simple chapel that they were arrested and brought before the magistrate in Abingdon. However the first minister resolved not to bring charges - and over time the villagers grew accustomed to the Nonconformists in their midst. The church has been served over the years by ministers, lay preachers and ministerial students and is still a thriving and prayerful community. In 2020 we will celebrate our 175th anniversary.

Cumnor URC 

We are an inclusive church and welcome everyone to join in our worship. The chapel at Cumnor and St Columba's - www.saintcolumbas.org are two congregations of the United Reformed Church www.urc.org.uk, a denomination created in 1972 when the Congregational Church in England and the Presbyterian Church of England were united. In 1981, many congregations of the Churches of Christ joined with us, and in 2000 the Congregational Church of Scotland also became part of the URC. Together we have a place both within the Reformed tradition and within the wider ecumenical movement.

Our worship is simple, direct and informal and is led by different people from week to week. We have a  Communion Service on the first Sunday in every month. Members of the congregation read from the Bible and we pray for matters of concern and those in need, remembering our partner URC churches and local ecumenical neighbour churches who are part of the local Churches Together network. Once a year a topic is chosen and church members contribute to and lead our People's Service. 

Four times a year the members meet for a Church Meeting to discuss and determine the business and worship life of the church congregation.

Cumnor URC is known for its warm welcome and friendliness, its hospitality and inclusive way of including the local community in events. The church Sanctuary has been sensitively modernised. The original pulpit facade adorns the wall behind the communion table. The audio-visual equipment has been used to show film clips, paintings and hymn verses. There is also digital hymnal to supplement the usual organ playing.

Following the redevelopment of our premises in 2000 we were presented with a very prestigious design award from the Vale of the White Horse District Council. See Hall Lettings

We are proud of our attractive Prayer Garden & Quiet Space at the side of the church where anyone can sit and rest and be peaceful. See Prayer Garden & Quiet Space.

Our most recent developments have been the installation of our Garden Room and access path.

Safeguarding

Cumnor URC takes safeguarding seriously, not only for children but also for vulnerable adults. Our safeguarding officers are Rev Nigel Appleton and Mrs Mary Vincent. Our safeguarding policy is available for download.