Approved by Oxford’s Historic Preservation Committee in April, the Oxford University United Methodist Church (OUUMC) will undergo a renovation that will result in a 20,000 square feet expansion featuring a two-story parking deck, 300-seat space for contemporary worship service, new offices and two entryways facing University Avenue and Tyler Avenue.
Eddie Rester (picture from ouumc.org)
OUUMC’s minister, Eddie Rester, said, “The congregation has approved the expenditure of up to $10.8 million. that includes all construction, furnishings and architects fees.”
The new parking deck will have 52 spaces with the overall expansion growing the church by 35 percent. Rester is anticipating the expansion, explaining that the congregation has looked forward to it for awhile.
“Oxford-University spent almost five years prayerfully planning and preparing for construction,” Rester said. “The congregation remains committed to being a space at the juncture of the town and the university for people to explore and grow in their faith.”
This church was founded in 1836, a year before the city of Oxford was chartered.
Rester said, “Oxford-University has been a part of the fabric of Oxford since the earliest days of the city. It sits at a critical juncture between the city and the university reflecting our mission to make disciples of those who live and work in our city and those who are here for a few years to study and grow. This addition moves us forward in our mission to make disciples by updating our facility for new generations, adding space that we need and providing flexibility for the mission of the church in the coming decades.”
A rendering of the front of OUUMC after expansion
A rendering of back of OUUMC after expansion
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