St Jude's In The Mountains
Anglican Church - Tehachapi CA
Anglican Church - Tehachapi CA
2
As the congregation gathered for the beginning of service, a young man rose to conduct the choir in a new hymn. The processional began, the choir singing a familiar melody, but with words that reached the heart as readily as any sermon. Soon the entire congregation would join in the processional hymn, even as they marveled at the profound theology of their praises. The author of this hymn, and conductor of the choir was Charles Wesley, brother of the famous preacher John Wesley. Charles was as prolific a poet and hymnist as his older brother John was a preacher. His life and work followed closely that of his brother and he would emerge as one of the most influential authors of Christian music.
Charles was born on December 18, 1707 in Epworth, Lincolnshire as the second youngest of nineteen children. Charles' father was a well-known Anglican priest, and his mother Susannah was a pastor's daughter. Charles studied at the Charterhouse School in London, and at the Westminster School, where one of his teachers happened to be his oldest brother, Samuel. In 1721, Charles was admitted at one of the King's scholars at St. Peter's College, and at eighteen years of age he was admitted to Christchurch College, Oxford, where his brother John had studied before. In 1727 Charles took a two year break from Oxford, and a few months before returning to his academics, persuaded several friends from Oxford to join him in a Method of study and devotion similar to the discipline he adopted in his academic work, but now directed toward things spiritual. He earned the nickname Methodist at that time, but didn't mind. Soon his brother John would leave his curacy at Epworth to help the new "holy club". Thus Methodism was born as a movement within Anglican faith in the spring of 1729, started by Charles and John Wesley together, along with several friends. Charles completed his B.A. degree that year, and went on to complete his M.A. in 1732 in pursuit of Holy Orders. In 1735 his father died and Charles was persuaded by his brother John to accompany him to the American colony of Georgia as a missionary. Prior to leaving for Georgia, Charles completed his studies and was ordained first a deacon and then a priest a mere week later. The trip was dangerous, the work was discouraging, and a year later the trip home was even more fraught with peril due to the weather. After a severe illness in 1738, under the care of Peter Bohler, a kindly Moravian teacher, Charles renounced his self-righteous religiosity and turned to a faith relationship with Jesus Christ on Whitsunday, May 21, that same year. After months of opposition from parishioners and his own bishop, Charles followed the example of George Whitfield, and found himself preaching in the open fields to thousands of souls yearning for salvation, throughout Wales and Ireland. In 1756 he married Sarah Gwynne and settled into a long and happy marriage, living in Bristol and eventually London. Charles died on March 28, 1788.
Throughout his life Charles wrote over 5,000 hymns, many of which are well known to us, including "Christ, the Lord is Risen Today," Hark, the Herald Angels Sing," and "Oh! For a Thousand Tongues to Sing." His composing began after he had given his live to Jesus, showing the strength of ministry found in genuine faith. Charles exemplifies not merely a life of joy grounded in faith, but a life committed to ministry as well. He was not content with his own salvation, but wanted others to know that same joy as well, especially in song. We are reminded of his legacy nearly every Sunday.
Charles was born on December 18, 1707 in Epworth, Lincolnshire as the second youngest of nineteen children. Charles' father was a well-known Anglican priest, and his mother Susannah was a pastor's daughter. Charles studied at the Charterhouse School in London, and at the Westminster School, where one of his teachers happened to be his oldest brother, Samuel. In 1721, Charles was admitted at one of the King's scholars at St. Peter's College, and at eighteen years of age he was admitted to Christchurch College, Oxford, where his brother John had studied before. In 1727 Charles took a two year break from Oxford, and a few months before returning to his academics, persuaded several friends from Oxford to join him in a Method of study and devotion similar to the discipline he adopted in his academic work, but now directed toward things spiritual. He earned the nickname Methodist at that time, but didn't mind. Soon his brother John would leave his curacy at Epworth to help the new "holy club". Thus Methodism was born as a movement within Anglican faith in the spring of 1729, started by Charles and John Wesley together, along with several friends. Charles completed his B.A. degree that year, and went on to complete his M.A. in 1732 in pursuit of Holy Orders. In 1735 his father died and Charles was persuaded by his brother John to accompany him to the American colony of Georgia as a missionary. Prior to leaving for Georgia, Charles completed his studies and was ordained first a deacon and then a priest a mere week later. The trip was dangerous, the work was discouraging, and a year later the trip home was even more fraught with peril due to the weather. After a severe illness in 1738, under the care of Peter Bohler, a kindly Moravian teacher, Charles renounced his self-righteous religiosity and turned to a faith relationship with Jesus Christ on Whitsunday, May 21, that same year. After months of opposition from parishioners and his own bishop, Charles followed the example of George Whitfield, and found himself preaching in the open fields to thousands of souls yearning for salvation, throughout Wales and Ireland. In 1756 he married Sarah Gwynne and settled into a long and happy marriage, living in Bristol and eventually London. Charles died on March 28, 1788.
Throughout his life Charles wrote over 5,000 hymns, many of which are well known to us, including "Christ, the Lord is Risen Today," Hark, the Herald Angels Sing," and "Oh! For a Thousand Tongues to Sing." His composing began after he had given his live to Jesus, showing the strength of ministry found in genuine faith. Charles exemplifies not merely a life of joy grounded in faith, but a life committed to ministry as well. He was not content with his own salvation, but wanted others to know that same joy as well, especially in song. We are reminded of his legacy nearly every Sunday.
