John Westley facts for kids

Rev. John Wesley (1636–1678) was an English nonconformist minister. This means he was a Protestant minister who did not follow the rules of the official Church of England. He is famous for being the grandfather of John Wesley, who founded the Methodist Church.

John Wesley's Life Story

Early Life and Education

John Wesley, who sometimes spelled his name "Wesly" or "Westley," was likely born in Bridport, Dorset, England. Some people think he was born in Devon. His father was Bartholomew Westley, also a minister. His mother was Ann Colley.

John Wesley went to Dorchester Grammar School. Later, he studied at New Inn Hall, Oxford, a famous university. He started there in 1651 and earned his first degree in 1655. He got his master's degree in 1657.

A Minister's Challenges

After finishing his studies, John Wesley became a preacher. He shared his religious messages in places like Melcombe Regis and Radipole in Dorset. He was never officially approved by bishops, which was the usual way for ministers to be ordained. However, a group called Oliver Cromwell's Commission of Triers approved him in 1658. He then became the Vicar of Winterborne Whitechurch.

In 1661, John Wesley had a meeting with Gilbert Ironside the elder, a church leader. This meeting showed that Wesley was an Independent. This meant he believed that each church should be able to govern itself, rather than being controlled by bishops.

Because he did not use the Book of Common Prayer (the official prayer book of the Church of England), he was put in prison. He was imprisoned again and removed from his church position in 1662. After a law called the Conventicle Act 1664 was passed, it became illegal for non-Anglicans to meet for worship. Despite this, John Wesley continued to preach in small groups. He preached in Preston and later in Poole. He passed away in Preston in 1678.

His Family Legacy

John Wesley married a daughter of John White. John White was also related to Thomas Fuller, a famous writer.

John and his wife had several children. Their oldest son was Timothy, born in 1659. Their second son was Rev. Samuel Wesley. Samuel became a High Church Anglican vicar. He was the father of two very famous people: John Wesley, who founded Methodism, and Charles Wesley, who wrote many hymns.

Another younger son, Matthew Wesley, remained a nonconformist like his father. He became an apothecary (like a pharmacist) in London. He died in 1737.