Tackley Methodist Church

Tackley is one of the oldest buildings in the current Oxford Methodist Circuit.

The earliest records of a Methodist community in Tackley date from 1804 and 1805 when houses were licensed for worship. In 1808 a first dedicated meeting place was established, which was conveyed to the Wesleyan Conference in 1813.

Enlarged in 1840 and 1968, this small building and its members continue to play a central part in the life of the village.

Further information about the current life of the church can be found here.

In 1813 there were 37 Methodists in Tackley who were regularly visited by a licensed preacher. By 1851 this had risen to 72 worshippers in the morning and 112 in the evening.

Originally thatched, the roof was raised and slated in 1853. Further alterations included the addition of a gallery (originally for the choir and orchestra of four male musicians), various stoves, oil lamps (to replace rush lighting), electricity (1931), harmoniums and then an organ to accompany worship. In 1962 the central pulpit was re-positioned to the side of the Church and the communion rail was lowered. Eventually, mains water was installed to the village leading to a further extension to provide a small kitchen and WC (1968).

Anniversary Sundays  and Harvest Festivals were key dates in the church year. Many former Sunday School members have recollected learning psalms, poems and sacred songs for the Anniversary services and enjoying the tea which was held in the afternoon either in the chapel, in a local barn or in the village hall.

Harvest Festivals involved spectacular displays of fruit and vegetables. Originally auctioned to raise money for the church, in more recent times produce was donated to other causes in the area.

In the memoirs of Mrs Emma Faulkener (nee Minn) born 1861, she record that regular prayer meetings were held during the week commencing at 7 am! As in other Methodist Churches class meetings, fundraising for home and overseas missionary work and other  local charitable causes, youth work (including popular outings to the  seaside) and a ladies “Bright Hour” were all features of life at this chapel.