Charles Wesley was the younger brother of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement of Protestantism, but was also a leader of the Methodist movement in his own right. Whilst studying at Christ Church College, Oxford, Wesley formed the "Oxford Methodist" group among his fellow students in 1729, a group which his brother later joined. However, Charles did not wish to break away from the Church of England into which he and his brother were both ordained.
Charles Wesley is best known for writing up to six thousand popular and well-loved hymns. His name is listed in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame for the enduring nature of his hymns.