A small country church with a big heart

They say you can’t pick your family, but in our case that’s not true! Together we make up a diverse inter-generational group who are glad to have found each other, and who enjoy welcoming others. Together, we look for practical answers to life’s big questions.

We gather each Sunday morning to sing, pray, celebrate, laugh and learn, and hope you will come join us!

The ABC's of Oxford Second

Acceptance: When we say “come as you are,” we mean it. No judgment here – just an open invitation to join us in the journey of finding out who God is, and what is our true purpose in life. We don't pretend to be saints -- rather, we're just a group of "regular folks" who try not to take ourselves too seriously.

Beliefs: How can we be for real if we can’t be honest about our doubts and questions? Above all, we seek truth. Sometimes the answers make us uncomfortable, but we continue to be amazed as we let go and see God in action. For us, the Presbyterian tradition answers many of those questions, and gives us a framework for understanding God, our true purpose in life, and the world in which we live.

Challenge: Under the best of circumstances, life is a challenge. Many of us find ourselves looking for God only as a last resort. Often there has been an illness, a crisis, a deep loss that has left us feeling lost. Life may seem out of control; we may feel weak, angry, or stuck; we may feel frustrated or ashamed that somehow we can’t make it happen on our own. The last thing most of us ever want is to feel helpless, or dependent on anything or anyone. As painful as this may feel, for many of us this is actually the beginning of a radically new (and better!) life.

Care: Everyone knows that without food, the body starves, yet we often resist the idea that our spirits need to be fed, too. Often we get so caught up in our own day-to-day survival that we can lose sight of the fact that there might be something bigger and better out there; something more meaningful and fulfilling. At Oxford Second, we are actively looking for that "something more." But it starts by being fed. For us, worship, time together and study offers spiritual "food."

Compassion and concern: Even as we recognize our need to be fed, we also know it’s not just “about us.” As we are strengthened, renewed and inspired, we can then go out and make a difference for good in the lives of others. We continually seek new ways to serve our community and those who may be in need, wherever and whoever they might be. Whether hosting a blood drive, collecting essentials for disaster relief victims, or providing assistance to families who find themselves without homes, we are committed to making a difference in the world.

Past and Future

While Oxford has seen up to eight Protestant churches within it's boundaries, Second Presbyterian is one of only two that has stood the test of time in spirit as well as stone. Forged in the fires of the Civil War, our church knows how to struggle and persevere.

Oxford Second got it's start in 1848 when the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Oxford (now called Hazen) journeyed across Dutch Hill to preach in a small stone chapel used as a mission post. On May 8, 1863, in the middle of the Civil War, Oxford Second was officially organized with twenty-one charter members. Within three years, a large brick sanctuary was built, and is still in use today.

While we celebrate what is best about our past, we are are even more excited about the future, as we discover new ways to serve in our community and beyond. Come see for yourself, or contact us with your questions. You are also invited you to get acquainted through our online group, "faithtalk."