Just four months after his Aldersgate experience, John Wesley preached in Windsor on 26 September 1738. His Journal notes: “I declared the Gospel of peace to a small company in Windsor.” Over the next 14 years, he returned 13 more times. By 1748, there were “members of the society” in the town, though records go quiet until 1800.

In 1800, Mr John Ould began holding prayer meetings, becoming a central figure in Windsor Methodism. By 1815, the society had 26 members, and a year later a chapel was built in Bier Lane (now River Street), later expanded with a gallery in 1825. Rev Alexander Strachan praised the society's spiritual depth, and in 1829, John Higgs was converted there, later founding Methodism in Maidenhead.

With growing numbers, a larger chapel was opened off Peascod Street in 1837. It lasted 40 years, though its tucked-away location may have hindered visibility. In 1874, plans were approved for a prominent new chapel on Alma Road, and funds were raised by the congregation. The Peascod Street building was later used by Windsor Steam Laundry for 90 years before being demolished in the 1980 redevelopment of King Edward Court.

In 1839, Rev John Ride and Rev Aaron Bell launched the Windsor Mission of the Reading Circuit. A chapel opened in Denmark Street in 1853, and by 1882 Windsor became its own circuit. However, numbers declined after WWI, and the chapel was closed and sold to the Church of England. The site later became part of the Ward Royal housing complex, opened in 1969.

The current church’s foundation stone was laid on 8 May 1876, and the building opened on 21 February 1877. It featured Grundy’s Hot Air heating, a central pulpit, and a gallery housing the choir and organ, installed in 1879. The community was vibrant, forming a Band of Hope (1862), a Juvenile Missionary Society (1869), and holding annual Sunday School outings to places like Hampton Court and Burnham Beeches.

The church regularly raised funds for causes such as the Indian Famine Relief Fund and “Worn Out Preachers”. Members supported the poor with coal, money, and compassion. Evangelism thrived through work with the garrison, and youth initiatives like the Christian Workers’ Association. The Wesley Guild launched nationally in 1895; Windsor’s began in 1897 and still meets weekly.

In 1906, the church and schoolroom were renovated and the organ moved behind the pulpit. During the works, services were held at the Guildhall. Church life flourished: Scouting began in 1915, followed by Cubs, Rovers, Guides (1926), and the Women’s Own group. In 1932, following the Act of Union, the church officially became Windsor Methodist Church.

James Sankey joined in 1936, later serving in Africa and India as a missionary and minister. The 1950s saw the launch of the Young Wives’ Club, Ladies' Club, and a drama group. With buildings ageing, a major £10,000 renovation appeal launched in 1961, funded largely by regular donations.

Concern over the church’s suitability led to the ‘Forward in Faith’ redevelopment campaign. Launched in 1990, it raised £800,000 through creative fundraising and dedicated support. St Edward’s Church kindly hosted the congregation during construction. On 6 April 1993, HM Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, officially opened the new building, with thanksgiving in 1996 marking the end of the journey.

In 2007, a generous donation enabled a full AV upgrade, linking the church and hall with projection facilities to support major events. In the years since, Windsor Methodist has remained a vibrant, family-centred and outward-looking church. The refurbished Cornerstone Chapel is open daily for quiet prayer, reflection, and personal space. The church continues to evolve while staying rooted in its mission of welcome and service.