Holy Club
The Holy Club was a 1729 established organisation at Christ Church, Oxford, established by brothers John and Charles Wesley, who later contributed to the formation of the Methodist Church.[1][2][3]
Jeering college students scoffed at these "Methodists" who tried to systematically serve God every hour of the day.[3] They set aside time for praying, examining their spiritual lives, studying the Holy Bible, and meeting together.[3] In addition, they took food to poor families, visited lonely people in prison, and taught orphans how to read.[3] Members of the organization celebrated Holy Communion frequently and fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays until 3 P.M.[1][2] Fellows of the Holy Club also studied and discussed the Novum Testamentum Graece as well as the Classics.[1] Critics of the Holy Club on the Oxford Campus said:
| “ | ” |
This organisation is often said to be the root of the influential Methodist Church.[1]
Notable personalities
The individuals listed below are notable members of the Holy Club who distinguished themselves later in life.
- John Wesley - founder of the Methodist Church[1]
- Charles Wesley - famous hymn writer[1]
- John Gambold - bishop of the Moravian Church[1]
- John Clayton - distinguished Anglican churchman[1]
- James Hervey - noted religious writer[1]
- Benjamin Ingham - famous evangelist in Yorkshire[1]
- Thomas Brougham - secretary of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge[1]
- George Whitefield - famous clergyman associated both with the First Great Awakening in the United States and the Evangelical Revival in England[1]
