Dating back to the early 1800s, Littlemore Baptist Church has a rich history. It began not as a church but as a school. This school aimed to improve the lives of poor children. These children lived in Littlemore and surrounding villages.
Littlemore Baptist Church started as a Sunday school in 1810. It joined with New Road under the name ‘The Oxford and Littlemore Sunday School Society’. Later, it became the ‘New Road Chapel Sunday School Society’.
Preaching had started in Littlemore as early as 1804. A chapel was built three years later. Thomas Pascoe purchased the site. His signature appears on the covenant of 1780. The meeting house connected with the church in Oxford. The pastor of one was the minister of the other. Both pulpits were equally his.
In 1813, some young men wanted to educate the poor. They felt for the children in Littlemore. They wanted to start a Sabbath School. They got permission to use the chapel. Teachers gained support from members of Mr Hinton’s congregation.
In 1814, the school had an average of 34 scholars. The seventh quarterly report noted this fact. It was rare for a country school held only on the Sabbath. Many children lived far away. The next year, the number of scholars and teachers grew. It was hard to get teachers to attend the Littlemore school. Most teachers were always in the Oxford schools. This demanded a sacrifice of public worship. One girl repeated 800 verses of scripture. The total extra lessons were 4632 verses of scripture. There were also answers of scripture and 447 hymns.
The report said the teachers desired wisdom. They wanted to estimate the proportion of personal benefit. They should sacrifice this to the public good. The report hoped for the promise’s fulfilment. It stated he that waters others shall be watered himself. Jas Slater, Superintendent, signed the report. Mr Slater was a tailor and robe maker. He had a business at 105 High Street.
No reports are available after 1815. Much good work was likely done. Mr Edward Underhill taught in the 1830s. He later became Dr Underhill. His father, Michael Underhill, first visited Littlemore to teach. He and two young men were impressed. They held a prayer meeting in a field. They asked for God’s blessing on their work. Around 1842, things were discouraging. The executors at New Road considered selling the property. The optimists prevailed and the work continued.
In 1864, the Chapel and School were renovated. Mr Robert Grubb became Superintendent. The teachers were Miss Morris, Miss Anne and Elizabeth Roberts. Also teaching were Messrs Ernest Ethelred, John Payne, and Joseph Ashley. Mr Grubb was Superintendent for 14 years. Mr Francis succeeded him. He served faithfully for 31 years. Mr E. E. Newell was elected in 1909. Mr Morton labored at Littlemore. Mr Merriman was his assistant Superintendent. He had been with the Littlemore School for nearly 40 years. In 1909, the Oxford and District Sunday School Union offered a banner. This was for the scholars scripture examination. The Littlemore School won. They won similar distinction on two occasions.
Littlemore children successfully competed. They had the excellence of tuition. In 1890, a new classroom was added. The Chapel was enlarged 14 years later. Both extensions were needed. Four teachers received the Sunday School Union diploma. Mr Merriman served 35 years. Mr Martin served 42 years. Mr Herring served 31 years. Mr Clarke served 27 years.
Today, Littlemore Baptist Church is a friendly Christian community. It gathers to worship God and serve the locality. The church encourages members to share thoughts on scripture. They pray for each other, the community, and the world. The congregation includes people of different ages, nationalities, and backgrounds. Littlemore Baptist Church welcomes everyone.