For more than forty years, St Philip and St James Church has been home to the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies. Within its walls, generations of scholars from around the world have studied, prayed and prepared for ministry, while the Centre has grown into an international community serving the global Church.
Now that story has been brought together in a beautifully illustrated new book by Dr David Cranston, entitled Oxford Centre for Mission Studies: A Global Legacy.
A retired Oxford surgeon, former Chair of the OCMS Board of Trustees and now one of the Centre’s Co-Chaplains, David has enjoyed a long association with OCMS stretching back many years. He is also well known locally for his richly illustrated books celebrating Oxford’s people, institutions and history, bringing together careful research with engaging narrative and detailed artwork.
Drawing on that experience, David tells the story of both St Philip and St James Church and the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies through photographs, illustrations, archival material and historical reflection. Readers are introduced not only to the remarkable Victorian church that has housed OCMS since 1983, but also to many of the people whose vision, faith and perseverance have shaped the Centre over four decades.
The project was a collaborative effort. David worked closely with OCMS’s volunteer archivist—a retired professional archivist—whose meticulous research helped verify historical details, identify photographs and document many of the architectural and artistic features of the building. Together they have created a lasting record of the Centre’s heritage, from its founders and early years through to the stained-glass windows, memorials and spaces that continue to inspire visitors today.
Beautifully illustrated throughout, the book captures David’s distinctive style. His carefully researched narrative is complemented by detailed paintings, historic photographs and illustrations that invite readers to slow down and appreciate both the beauty of the building and the story behind it.
While the book celebrates the history of a place, it is equally the story of a global community. It reflects how one Oxford church became home to a worldwide movement of scholarship, equipping Christian leaders from every continent to participate more effectively in God’s mission.
Whether you are an OCMS alumnus, supporter, visitor or simply interested in Oxford’s rich ecclesiastical heritage, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies: A Global Legacy offers a fascinating insight into the people, place and purpose that have shaped the Centre over the past four decades.
The book is now available from Regnum Books.
David Cranston’s other illustrated books including those he has written about John Stott can be purchased here.