Welcome Home!

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free; from our fears and sins release us; let us find  our rest in Thee. Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art; dear desire of ev'ry nation, joy of ev'ry longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver, born a Child, and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by Thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy  glorious throne.

Blessed Jesus we adore You, Light of life and Son of love all Your children bow before You; speak Your name and lift You up King of kings from highest heav'n Lord of lords come rule alone Son of God so sweetly given make our hearts Your holy throne

Charles Wesley was born prematurely on December 18, 1707 in England, to Samuel and Susannah Wesley, the 18th of 19 children.   Because he was born prematurely, he lay silent and lifeless, wrapped in a blanket for a few weeks after birth.  Nine of his siblings died before they reached adulthood. His mother taught him and his siblings 6 hours every day including: French, Greek and Latin.  When he was old enough, he attended Westminster School for 13 years, where the only acceptable language to speak in public was Latin.  He then attended Christ College Oxford University (CCOU) for 9 years.  While he was there, he and his brother John, met George Whitefield, and they formed the Oxford Holy Club.  The Club earned the named "Methodists" because they had regular discussions on religious practices and duties. In the beginning, the Methodists were part of the Church of England, but were eventually forced out, and they formed a separate organization.  Even though he helped his brother John, form the Methodist denomination, he remained Church of England all of his life.  In 1735, Charles was ordained as a priest in the Church of England but was not saved until later by his own admission.  In 1738, he suffered an illness and was afraid of death.  In his own words, “After they (John and friends) left, I prayed and drifted into a deep sleep and seemed to hear a voice say, 'In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, arise, and believe, and thou shalt be healed of all thine infirmities.'  I cried, 'I believe, I believe', and when I awoke, I yielded my heart to the Lord, promising to serve Him faithfully all the days of my life."  He was converted on Sunday, May 21, 1738.  Two days later, he began writing hymns celebrating his conversion. Known as the poet of Christianity, he wrote approximately 6500 hymns.  He wrote 2 hymns every week for 50 years between 1738 and 1788 when he died on March 29 from nervous exhaustion and severe depression at the age of 80.  Some of his most famous works include:  And Can It Be, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, and Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending.