For more than 150 years, St Mary & St John has stood at the heart of East Oxford, witnessing the transformation of open fields into one of the city’s most vibrant and diverse communities. Throughout that time, this church has remained far more than a beautiful building. It has been a place where lives have been celebrated, burdens shared, faith nurtured and communities strengthened.
The story begins in the mid-nineteenth century when East Oxford was expanding rapidly. New homes were being built, industries were growing and thousands of people were moving into what had previously been fields and orchards. Recognising the urgent need for a new church and parish, Father Richard Meux Benson arrived in Cowley in 1850. Although he had hoped to become a missionary overseas, God had other plans. Instead, he devoted his life to
serving the people of East Oxford. Father Benson founded the parish of Cowley St John in 1869 and, in 1866, established the Society of St John the Evangelist (SSJE)—better known as the Cowley Fathers—the first Anglican male religious community founded since the Reformation. From their Mission House in Marston Street, the Cowley Fathers combined prayer with practical action, supporting local people while sending missionaries across the world. The foundation stone of St Mary & St John was laid in 1875, and the church was built in stages under the direction of architect Alfred Mardon Mowbray. The churchyard was consecrated in 1878, becoming both a place of remembrance and an important record of the lives of East Oxford’s people. Today, it contains the graves of architects, clergy, religious sisters, civic leaders, builders, soldiers, children and generations of local families whose stories together tell the history of the parish.
From its earliest days, the parish sought to meet both spiritual and practical needs. Before the welfare state existed, Father Benson and the parish established schools, soup kitchens, coal and clothing clubs, mothers’ groups and youth organisations, including the Gladiators’ Club. Religious communities, including the All Saints Sisters of the Poor, the Clewer Sisters and the Sisterhood of the Holy Childhood, cared for the sick, educated children and supported vulnerable families throughout the parish. The church has witnessed every stage of life. Thousands have been baptised here, countless
couples have exchanged their marriage vows before the altar, and generations have been
commended into God’s eternal care. During both World Wars, members of the congregation
served with distinction, and the church continues to honour their sacrifice through its
memorials and Commonwealth War Graves.
Over the decades, St Mary & St John has adapted to meet the changing needs of its
community while remaining rooted in its Christian faith. It has welcomed people from every
nation, culture and background, becoming a place where diversity is celebrated and
hospitality is at the heart of parish life.
Today, the story continues. Alongside daily worship, the parish provides community lunches,
support for people experiencing homelessness, children’s and family activities, heritage
education, concerts, pastoral care and opportunities for volunteering and learning. Through
its National Lottery Heritage Fund project, the church is preserving its remarkable history
while investing in its future through building improvements, heritage interpretation, oral
history, digital resources and greater accessibility.
As we celebrate 150 years of St Mary & St John, we give thanks for all who have gone
before us—those who built this church, worshipped within its walls, served their neighbours
and handed on the faith to future generations.
Their story is now our story.
Whether you are visiting for the first time, returning after many years, exploring online or
worshipping with us regularly, you become part of the continuing story of this remarkable
place.
We hope that, as you discover the history of St Mary & St John, you will also discover
something of the faith, hope and love that have sustained this parish for more than a century
and a half—and which continue to inspire its mission in the heart of East Oxford today.