THE METHODIST CHURCH, WEST OXFORDSHIRE CIRCUIT
The Methodist Church, West Oxfordshire Circuit (Charity No. 1134159) is a Methodist ecclesiastical administrative unit operating within Oxfordshire, England. Registered with the Charity Commission on 5 February 2010, it oversees Methodist congregations and community initiatives across West Oxfordshire, including Minster Lovell Methodist Church, where a community time capsule was buried in July 2000 to commemorate local history and participation[1][2].

History
The circuit’s organizational structure reflects the broader development of Methodism in England, though its specific founding details remain less documented compared to older Methodist networks. The Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist traditions, which spread across Oxfordshire from the early 19th century, likely influenced the circuit’s formation[5]. Minster Lovell Methodist Church, part of the circuit, has served as a focal point for community activities, including the burial of a cross-section of local memorabilia in its grounds[1].

Operations
As a registered charity, the circuit supports worship, outreach, and educational activities through its constituent churches. Its governance adheres to Methodist connexional principles, coordinating ministerial appointments and shared resources among congregations[2]. The broader Thames Valley Methodist Circuit (established in 1986 through amalgamations) provides a regional context, though the West Oxfordshire Circuit operates independently under its own registration[5][2].

Constituent Churches
While the full list of member churches is not publicly detailed, Long Hanborough Methodist Church (opened 1895) and Minster Lovell’s chapel are representative examples of the circuit’s historical and active chapels[3][1]. These churches often occupy central village locations, reflecting Methodism’s communal emphasis[3].

External Links
For worship times and events, the circuit maintains a website, though specific outreach programs and congregational details are managed locally by individual churches[2].

[1] https://www.westoxfordshiremethodists.org.uk/churches/minster-lovell/our-history.html [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5007910/full-print [3] https://www.wesleysoxford.org.uk/category/chapels/british-methodist-buildings [4] https://www.oxoniensia.org/volumes/2006/tiller.pdf [5] https://www.methodistthamesvalley.org.uk/about_circuit_history.html