A 19th-century church could feature the latest smartphone technology with the creation of a new heritage centre.

Wesley Memorial Church wants to form a small historical hub at its site in New Inn Hall Street.

Plans to make the centre interactive could include the use of QR codes to allow visitors to access information away from the site.

Lay worker Rob Thompson said: “Part of my job is to work on heritage and think about how we can better present both our congregation and the community and the many, many visitors we get through the doors each week with Methodist history and the place of Methodism.

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“We can still engage with people even when they don’t come through the doors.”

Oxford has been a home to Methodists since 1783, when the movement’s founder John Wesley began preaching in the city’s first Methodist meeting house, in New Inn Hall Road.

Now the church congregation needs to collect items from across the city to help highlight the church’s history.

Mr Thompson said plans for the heritage centre were in their early stages, but it was expected to include exhibition space, with display cabinets and information booklets.

Historical relics and remains were needed from residents to help the church discover its past.

Mr Thompson said: “We live in a historical city, a city with one of the richest and most diverse histories in the entire country.

“What’s wonderful is that it’s a history where there is something for everyone. I really hope that loads of people feel like they can get involved.

“We would really like to hear people’s stories. It’s important for us to reach out to as many people as possible.”

Historical Methodist artefacts, including old hymn books, Sunday School medals and church collecting boxes, are required for the centre’s display.

Mr Thompson said he hoped residents would uncover architectural plans, photographs and documents relating to the church building’s history, as well as the meeting house.

Church members are also on the search for memoirs and letters, along with oral recordings.

Oxford University graduate Mr Thompson said: “History is important because it informs our present and there are lots of lessons we can learn.

“We can’t learn for the future if we don’t have a detailed understanding of our part in the community.

“Methodism is about all people we meet in our day-to-day lives and that’s just a part of what we are doing here.”

To get involved, email Rob Thompson at rob.thompson@ oxfordmethodists.org.uk or call 01865 243216.

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