Welcome to St Mary & St John, Cowley Road.
Whether you are exploring our heritage online, visiting us in person, researching your family history, or joining us for worship, I am delighted to welcome you. For more than 150 years, St Mary & St John has stood at the heart of East Oxford as a place of prayer, welcome and service.
Built during a period of extraordinary growth, the church has witnessed generations of people coming together in faith, celebrating life’s joys, finding comfort in times of sorrow, and serving their neighbours with compassion. Our story is closely linked with Father Richard Meux Benson, founder of the Society of St John the Evangelist (the Cowley Fathers), whose vision transformed this part of Oxford through worship, education, mission and practical care for those most in need. That spirit continues to shape our parish today. Our church and churchyard tell countless stories—of worship and witness, joy and sorrow, service and sacrifice. They speak of ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives: builders, teachers, nurses, soldiers, religious sisters and monks, families who helped shape East Oxford, and generations who have found hope within these walls. Today, that story continues. As we care for this beautiful historic church, we are also looking to the future. Through our Heritage Project, we are preserving our past while creating new opportunities for learning, music, hospitality, community engagement and welcome. We hope that every visitor will discover not only the rich history of this place but also the living faith that continues to inspire its mission today. I invite you to take your time as you explore the church and churchyard. Listen to the stories, admire the craftsmanship, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and perhaps pause for a moment of quiet reflection or prayer. Whether you are visiting for a few minutes or spending longer with us, I hope you will discover not only the rich history of this place but also the warmth of its living community. Above all, I hope you will find here a place of peace, beauty, inspiration and hope. Thank you for visiting. We look forward to welcoming you again—whether online or in person.
With every blessing,
The Revd Martha Weatherill
Vicar, Parish of Cowley St John