| John Wesley, father of Methodism, was born on 17th June 1703. He founded Methodism in the face of intense opposition and laid the foundations for future world-wide expansion. |
| |
|
| 17 June 1703: |
Born at Epworth, son of the Rev Samuel and Susanna Wesley |
|
|
| 1709: |
Rescued from fire at the Epworth Rectory, referred to himself later as ‘a brand plucked from the burning’ |
|
|
| 1714: |
Began studies at Charterhouse School, London |
|
|
| 1720: |
Matriculated at Christ Church College, Oxford University |
|
|
| 1725: |
Ordained Deacon in the Church of England |
|
|
| 1726: |
Appointed Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford University |
|
|
| 1727: |
Religious Society (Holy Club) formed in Oxford. Nicknamed ‘METHODISTS’ |
|
|
| 1728: |
Ordained Priest in the Church of England |
|
|
| 1735: |
Sailed the Atlantic to Georgia to do missionary work, Learned about Salvation by Faith from the Moravians there. |
|
|
| 1738: |
Returned to England discouraged but seeking for Saving Faith |
|
|
| 24 May 1738: |
Evangelical experience at Aldersgate Street, London. ‘I felt I did trust in Christ–Christ alone!’ Started to preach Saving Faith in the churches. |
|
|
| 1 Jan 1739: |
New Year’s Day Pentecost, Fetter Lane, London: ‘as we were in prayer, the power of God came mightily upon us – many cried out for joy’ |
|
|
| 2 April 1739: |
Commenced open air field preaching at Bristol. METHODIST REVIVAL outside the church with Good News for the poor. ‘I look upon all the world as my parish.’ |
|
|
| Nov 1739: |
Started first London HQ for the new METHODIST MOVEMENT at ‘the Foundery’ which included a chapel, a book room, a free school and a free dispensary. |
|
|
| 1740: |
Established school for the poor - ‘Kingswood House’ in Bristol. |
|
|
| 1742: |
Began nationwide open air preaching ministry. METHODIST SOCIETIES started by Itinerant Preachers; led by Class Leaders, organised throughout the land. |
|
|
| 1744: |
First WESLEYAN-METHODIST ANNUAL CONFERENCE met in London |
|
|
| 1748: |
‘Kingswood House’ became ‘Kingswood School’ – boarding school for boys. ‘I will have one or the other, - a Christian school, or none at all.’ |
|
|
| 1778: |
City Road Chapel, London founded – Mother Church of World METHODISM |
|
|
| 1779: |
Traveled in horsedrawn carriage to preach - too frail to go on horseback |
|
|
| 2 March 1791: |
Died at home in City Road, declaring: ‘The Best of All is that God is with us!’ |
Print this page
