In January 2019, the Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church History will launch an exciting new digitised resource for the study of Methodist heritage.
British Methodist Buildings brings together two major photographic collections from the Centre’s holdings to create an unparalleled visual library of Methodist buildings in Britain. This is the first time these collections have been made fully available, making over 10,000 images freely accessible online.
These photographs represent the labours of two hobbyists: Keith Guyler and Bill Smith. Operating between the 1970s and 2010s (but seemingly unaware of each other’s activities), these two amateur photographers travelled the country documenting many buildings which have since been altered or demolished.
‘Let all preaching-houses be built plain and decent’ – John Wesley
This project showcases Methodist buildings as the vibrant hearts of communities, commemorated by architecture which is sometimes exuberant, at other times plain and functional. The story of each chapel is the story of a community, and whilst some retain an active membership, others have been re-purposed as homes, garages, shops, storehouses, cowsheds, and many other uses.
Central to British Methodist Buildings will be collaboration with our users. We will encourage people to add their personal experiences and recollections to the images. How many do you know? Do you know something of their history? Do you recall a community or family event at a particular building?
British Methodist Buildings will launch in January 2019. For further updates follow this blog, or find us on Twitter @OCMCHBrookes.
Westminster Oxford Research Network 