Charles Wesley is regarded throughout the world as one of the greatest hymn-writers of all time. Many of his hymns are still popular today; Hark the Herald Angels Sing will be sung by thousands this Christmas. The 300th Anniversary of Charles Wesley’s birth will be marked at Evensong in St Woolos Cathedral on Wednesday, December 19th at 7pm

During the service, hymns written by Charles Wesley will be sung and the lesson will be read by the Acting Superintendent of the local Methodist Circuit, Revd Jo Rooney.

Charles Wesley (1707-1788) was an Anglican Priest who, with his brother John, founded Methodism but regarded the Methodist societies which he formed as remaining part of the Church of England. In 1749 he married Sarah Gwynne of Garth, not far from Brecon, and he made frequent trips into Wales. They settled in Bristol.

The Dean, Very Revd Dr Richard Fenwick, praised Charles Wesley's contribution to church music saying:

"We owe a tremendous lot to the whole Wesley family for so much in our worship: hymnody and much of the music dear to us in the Cathedral tradition. Charles Wesley's hymns have inspired and soothed the hearts of millions through the years."

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30 November 2007

Fr Mark Soady Tel: 01633 267191; Mob 07968 753978 Email: mark.soady@ntlworld.com

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