Oxford Mission Church

Oxford Mission Church ( Oxford Mission Church ) is located on Boguragami Road in Barisal Division, known as the Venice of the East. Oxford Mission Church, one of the most artistic church architecture in Bangladesh, is considered to be the 2nd largest church in Asia. The ancient name of this church was Epiphany Church but it came to be known as Oxford Mission. Construction of the church began in 1903, designed by Sister Edith, and completed in 1907 under the direction of Father Strong.

Oxford Mission Church looks like a single storey but in height it is equal to a 5 storey building. The attractive church is modeled after the Greek architectural style. After crossing the wall, one can see green grass fields, playgrounds, ponds, Oxford Mission Primary School and High School, library, hospital, student hostel, flower gardens and various types of medicinal plants. On the main altar there is a huge shaped cross. Built on a 35-acre plot, Oxford Mission Church has wood-carved interiors and marble stone floors. The Oxford Mission Church has a spacious and beautiful prayer room, the surrounding environment is very calm and soothing, with row upon row of pump trees. Next to the church are Father's House and Mother's House. The Oxford Mission Church has an interesting bell, which is believed to be the largest bell in Asia. This bell is rung seven times daily. The numerous corridors and archways built in the church make the main structure stronger. Oxford Mission Church is easily accessible with permission. The church is open for visitors from morning to 4 pm.

You can get CNG, autorickshaws and rickshaws to go to Oxford Mission Church in the divisional town of Barisal.

It takes about 7-8 hours to go from Dhaka to Barisal by road. Various transport buses ply daily from 6 am to 10 pm at regular intervals from Gabtali Bus Terminal in the capital. Shakura, Eagle and Hanif Paribahan AC/Non-AC bus ticket price is Tk 600 to Tk 1300 (variable) per person. Buses going from Dhaka to Barisal usually stop at Natullabad bus stand in Barisal city.

But launch is the best mode for Dhaka-Barisal travel. Barisal-bound launches depart from Sadarghat launch terminal between 8-9pm. The launches reached Barisal Ghat early the next morning. Good service launches include MV Manami, Kuakata 2, Kirtankhola 10, Adventure 1, Adventure 9, Sundarban 9, Sundarban 10, Surabhi 7, Surabhi 8, Parabat 9, Parabat 11 and others. Deck rent per person 200-250 taka, single cabin 1200-1400 taka, double cabin rent 2200-2500 taka. And the VIP cabin fare is Rs.5000 – 8000.

There are several good quality residential hotels in Barisal, where you can easily spend the night. Among the residential hotels are Hotel Grand Plaza, Richmart, Hotel Athena, Arena, Sedona, Rodella.

Among the popular places of interest near Barisal city are Bibir Pond , 30 Godowns, Bells Park, Durgasagar Dighi , Baitul Aman Mosque , Lakutia Zamindar Bari, Miyabari Jame Masjid, Muktijoddha Park etc.