Charles Wesley was born on December 18, 1707 in Epworth, England. He was the eighteenth child of Samuel and Susanna Wesley. Samuel Wesley was a Anglican clergyman and Susanna was a devout woman who would become well known for her great influence on her children. Charles grew up in a household filled with religious devotion and scholarly pursuits.
Charles Wesley began his education at Westminster School and later went on to study at Christ Church, Oxford. It was during his time at Oxford that Charles and his brother John formed a group known as the "Holy Club" or "Methodists" due to their methodical approach to religion and spiritual practices.
After completing his studies, Charles Wesley was ordained as a priest in the Church of England. He served as a curate in several parishes before becoming a renowned preacher and hymn writer.
Charles Wesley played a pivotal role in the Methodist Movement alongside his brother John. They traveled throughout England, preaching to large crowds and leading gatherings of believers. Charles Wesley's gift for writing hymns greatly contributed to the growth of the movement.
Some of Charles Wesley's most well-known hymns include "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling." These hymns continue to be sung in churches around the world today.
In 1749, Charles Wesley married Sarah Gwynne, with whom he had several children. Unfortunately, only a few of their children survived to adulthood. Two of their children, Charles and Samuel, showed musical talent from a young age and went on to become musical prodigies.
Charles Wesley's ministry took him far and wide, including a journey to the American colony of Georgia in 1735. While in Georgia, he briefly served as Secretary of Indian Affairs under the administration of governor James Oglethorpe.
Throughout his life, Charles Wesley continued to preach and write hymns, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of Christian music and theology.