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Charles Wesley 300th birthday
Charles Wesley was born in 1707 in Epworth, England. He was one of 19 children born to Anglican priest Samuel Wesley and his wife Susanna. [1] Charles co-founded the Methodist movement alongside his brother John Wesley and was a prolific hymn writer, composing over 6,000 hymns during his lifetime. [2] He was a tireless evangelist and field preacher who spread the gospel through his hymns, which were sung in market squares and fields as they were banned from parish churches during his lifetime. [3]
Charles Wesley 300th birthday
- 1. Charles Wesley “Sweet Singer of Methodism” Presented by the Moore Methodist Museum
- 2. Charles’ Birth EpworthEngland
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- 5. Boyhood Born atEpworth December 18, 1707 Premature – wrapped in wool for weeks Carried out of fire at house - 1709 18 th child and youngest of three surviving sons Parents Samuel and Susanna Wesley Father was Anglican priest; poor Four years younger than John Mother started home-schooling at age 5
- 6. John and CharlesSamuel and Susannah
- 7. Young Adult EnteredWestminster School in London at age 9 - 1716 Became Kings Scholar – provided free board/tuition Became Captain of Westminster School - 1725 Selected to attend Oxford - 1726 He organized Holy Club during this time.
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- 9. While students atOxford University, Charles and John began a fellowship of students. What was this group known as? Do You Know? The Holy Club
- 10. Georgia Sailed withJohn from Gravesend December 22, 1735 Simmonds – ship Landed Savannah February 5, 1736 26 Moravians on board greatly influenced both brothers Oglethorpe’s secretary and Secretary for Indian Affairs Left July 26, 1736 (less than 6 months)
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- 14. Back to EnglandLeft from Boston to return to England – 1736 Warmly welcomed; interested in Georgia Resumed activities with Oxford Methodists Met and reconciled with Oglethorpe in London Continued Holy Club Visited family Considered returning to colonies
- 15. Conversion of CharlesWesley May 21, 1738 in London at the home of a friend William Holland read Luther’s commentary on Galatians “He loved me and gave himself for me.” Wrote the hymn “Where shall my wondering soul begin?” May 24, 1738 - John Wesley had his Aldersgate experience.
- 16. Do You Know?When John and Charles Wesley founded the Holy Club, how many members of the House of Commons went to church? 5 or 6 members
- 17. Life in EnglandDriven out of Anglican pulpits Mobbed and harassed; even accused of treason Yet a tireless Evangelist Field Preacher as inspired by George Whitefield Preached to coal miners and prisoners
- 18. Marriage Met Sarahat her house while recuperating from illness Father was a magistrate; affluent Married Sarah Gwynne April 8, 1749 John performed wedding Sarah was a gifted singer 8 children; only 3 survived infancy Children – Charles, Jr., Sarah, and Samuel Married until his death on March 29, 1788
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- 20. Were Charles Wesley’shymns sung in the parish churches during his lifetime? Do You Know? No, they were sung in the market squares and fields of England.
- 21. Charles wrote over6,000 hymns!
- 22. What famous classicalcomposer wrote tunes for Charles Wesley and also wrote the famous oratorio “Messiah”? Do You Know? George Frederic Handel
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- 24. “ Hark! theHerald Angels Sing” Appeared in 1739 in the book, Hymns and Sacred Poems Originally called “Hymn for Christmas Day” 10 four line stanzas; 6 generally used today George Whitefield included it in his Collection in 1753
- 25. How many hymnsdid Charles Wesley compose? Do You Know? Over 6,000
- 26. Charles’ Death FinalWords “ Whatever the world may have thought of me, I have lived, and I died, in the communion of the Church of England, and I will be buried in the yard of my parish church.” Died in London on March 29, 1788 at the age of 81
- 27. Buried at MaryleboneOld Church, England
- 28. Wesley MemorialWestminster Abby
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- 30. Happy 300 th Birthday!
- 31. You’re invited tosee all this and more at the Moore Methodist Museum. Sign up for the Charles Wesley Celebration.
Editor's Notes
- #3 In England in the county of Lincolnshire, 3 little rivers and a canal come together to make a small green island of the town of Epworth. This was the market town for a wild and rough farming country. Here the Reverend Samuel Wesley preached in the village church and here his wife Susannah cared for their children in a cottage nearby.
- #6 1716 Westminster – most famous school in England at the time
- #8 His great grandfather, grandfather, father, and two brothers and Charles three sons were all educated at Oxford. Holy Club was also known as Bible Moths, The Reformers Club, The Godly Club, The Enthusiasts, AND Methodists
- #13 Had disputes with a couple of women, Veda Hawkins and Mrs. Welch, while on board ship. This continued while on St. Simon’s Island and caused Wesley and Oglethorpe to lose communication with each other. Charles did not have a cabin or even a bed and often had to sleep on the ground. Oglethorpe wouldn’t let him have a teapot. People wouldn’t speak to him and he couldn’t even get his clothes washed. He became ill with dysentery and discouraged. John Wesley came down from Savannah and straightened things out a bit.
- #16 Charles said “He has put a new song in my mouth.” “Where shall my wondering soul begin? How shall I all to heaven aspire? A slave redeemed from death and sin, A brand plucked from eternal fire.
- #18 Charles records in his journal July 10, 1738 “ I went to Newgate (prison) and preached to the ten malefactors under sentence of death, but with a heavy heart. My old prejudices against the possibility of a death-bed repentance still hung upon me; and I could hardly hope that their was mercy for those whose time was so short. But in the midst of my discourse, a sudden spirit of faith came upon me, and I promised them all pardon, in the name of Jesus Christ, if they would then, as at the last hour, repent and believe the Gospel. I had no doubt that God would give me every soul of them.” Charles and his friend, Mr. Bray, were locked in the prison cells as they wrestled in mighty prayer. All of the criminals were present and all delightfully cheerful. Wesley hymns were sung, especially “Behold the Saviour of Mankind”. Charles recorded in his Journal, “It was one of the most triumphant hours I have ever known.” The next day, the 10 were taken to Tyburn for execution. Wesley joined them on the cart and they showed no terror, no fear, no crying, no tears. Charles Wesley prayed with each of them and took leave of each. He spoke a few suitable words to the crowd and returned full of peace and confidence. “That hour under the gallows was the most blessed hour of my life.” What an amazing testimony to the Gospel and to the man!
- #21 As Charles Wesley once began to sing a hymn at a public service, he was interrupted by a company of half-drunken sailors, singing the indecent song, “Nancy Dawson”. A great commotion resulted. Charles’ quick ear mastered the tune and meter of their song. At the next service, when the sailors were ready to repeat their performance, he sang his new hymm – to the tune of “Nancy Dawson.”