In a village like this, with its splendid Parish Church, non-conformity never had an easy time.   In the old days the squire saw to that and it is said that his agent forced the closure of the old Primitive Methodist Chapel along the lane off Sarsden Road.   The building is still there but now used as a garage.  

The Sarsden estate had been sold off some five years before, when the Methodist Church (more often called the Chapel) was built at a cost of £1,135 and opened at Easter 1927 by Richard Cadbury oif chocolate fame.   The site was given by a local farmer.   The stone, also given, came from Chadlington.   The iron gates were made by Charles Blake, the village blacksmith and the chairs from trees grown in Churchill.   In the early days the services were vastly different from those of All Saints, being less formal, with an emphasis on preaching rather than liturgy.   Congregational singing was hearty and most prayers ex tempore.   The minister lived in Chipping Norton and visiting preachers came from a wide area.   The building was renovated in 1989, a kitchen and WC added, and the floor carpeted at a total cost of £21,542.

Nowadays ecumenical relations have improved greatly.   United services take place several times a year.   Services are held on Sundays at 11 am.   You don't have to be a Methodist to come, all are welcome  -  and it's always warm!   As a lad I remember the old men talking about the days when the squire ruled the village and the old feudal system was still largely in place.    It was a benevolent form of paternalism:  prizes were given annually for the best kept garden.

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