Who was John Wesley, anyway?
The Rev. John Wesley was born June 17, 1703, the 15th of 19 children of the Rev. Samuel and Susanna Wesley.Samuel Wesley was controversial because of his political leanings. Locals mocked his children, burned the family crops and damaged the rectory of the Epworth Anglican Parish in Lincolnshire, England.John Wesley graduated from Oxford University and became a priest in the Church of England in 1728. Beginning in 1729, he participated in the Holy Club, a religious study group organized by his brother Charles (1707-1788). Critics ridiculed the “Methodists” for their methodical study and devotion. Bound by covenant, they worshipped, prayed and studied — and visited prisoners and cared for the poor, orphans and the sick, emphasizing both personal and social holiness.A turning point in Wesley’s life followed a two-year missionary trip (1735-1737) to Savannah, Ga.On May 24, 1738, Wesley, then 34, attended a Moravian service at Aldersgate Street in London. Listening to the reading of Luthe
