From Our Pastor

In your mind paint the most beautiful scene of natural beauty in America.  Let there be sparkling trout-streams, sweeping meadows, majestic forests and distant mountain peaks. On a solitary green knoll, place a classic brick church, complete with cradling graveyard.  That is Oxford.

For more than 250 years people have made the spot sacred, gathering to worship God according to their own conscience.  At first they were all planters, attracted by rich soil and the promise of liberty. Today they are a pleasing mix of business and professional citizens.  Many live in nearby Lexington.  Others occupy homesteads that have been in the family for generations. They love their countryside.  They are quick to give a wave and a smile to neighbor or visitor.

Oxford’s heritage embraces some legendary heroes.  Reverend William Graham, the genius who gave birth to Washington and Lee University, was her pastor in the 1700’s.  Archibald Alexander preached one of his first sermons before moving on to create Princeton Theological Seminary. Then came another giant, the Reverend Samuel Houston who gained national fame as soldier, pastor, scholar, and inventor.

I can describe Oxford’s people as the sweetest on earth.  They are gentle but not gullible. They are strong but tolerant. Scot-Irish resoluteness is mingled with open-minded adventure.  They enjoy life and they enjoy each other. In our swirling world, Oxford remains a unique oasis of uncluttered serenity. 

Reverend Doctor Horace Douty, Pastor