John Wesley and Savannah: A Brief Encounter That Shaped a Movement
John Wesley imagined with ai, curated, and artfully mastered by Artist Charles Maring
John Wesley and His Legacy in Savannah, Georgia
John Wesley, a pivotal figure in the founding of Methodism, left an indelible mark on Savannah, Georgia, during his brief but impactful time in the colony. His contributions as a preacher, organizer, and missionary shaped both the religious landscape of the 18th century and Savannah’s historical narrative. This blog post explores Wesley’s life, his connection to Savannah, and where visitors today can learn more about his enduring legacy.
Who Was John Wesley?
John Wesley (1703–1791) was an English cleric, theologian, and evangelist who founded the Methodist movement within the Church of England. Born in Epworth, Lincolnshire, Wesley was educated at Oxford University, where he and his brother Charles formed the "Holy Club," a group dedicated to spiritual discipline and good works. This laid the groundwork for Methodism, emphasizing personal piety, social justice, and methodical religious practice.
Wesley’s mission was to spread Christianity through preaching, education, and charity. His time in Georgia, though challenging, was a formative period in his spiritual and professional development, influencing his later work that sparked a global religious movement.
John Wesley’s Time in Savannah, Georgia
Arrival in the Georgia Colony
John Wesley preaching to parishoners imagined with ai, curated, and artfully mastered by Artist Charles Maring
In 1735, John Wesley arrived in Savannah as a missionary for the Church of England, invited by Georgia’s founder, James Oglethorpe. The Georgia Colony, established in 1733 as a haven for debtors and a buffer against Spanish Florida, was still in its infancy. Wesley was tasked with serving as the minister to the settlers and spreading Christianity to the Native American populations, particularly the Creek and Choctaw tribes.
Wesley landed in Savannah on February 6, 1736, aboard the ship Simmonds. His brother Charles accompanied him, serving as Oglethorpe’s secretary. John Wesley’s mission was ambitious: to establish a disciplined, vibrant Christian community in the New World.
Ministry and Challenges
Wesley’s tenure in Savannah was marked by both dedication and difficulty. He served as the rector of Christ Church, the first Anglican parish in Savannah, established in 1733. His rigorous approach to ministry—emphasizing strict adherence to Anglican liturgy, frequent services, and personal moral accountability—clashed with the rough-and-tumble realities of colonial life. Wesley introduced practices like early morning prayers and small group meetings, which some settlers found overly demanding.
One notable episode was Wesley’s ill-fated romance with Sophia Hopkey, a young woman in the colony. After a courtship, Wesley hesitated to marry her, citing his commitment to celibacy for his ministry. Hopkey married another man, and Wesley’s subsequent decision to deny her communion sparked a public dispute. This controversy, combined with his strict demeanor, alienated many colonists, leading to legal complaints against him.
Departure and Legacy
By December 1737, facing mounting opposition, Wesley left Savannah for England, considering his Georgia mission a failure. However, this period profoundly shaped his theology. His interactions with Moravian settlers during the voyage to Georgia and in Savannah introduced him to their emphasis on personal faith and assurance of salvation—ideas that later defined Methodism. Wesley’s famous “Aldersgate experience” in 1738, where he felt his heart “strangely warmed,” occurred shortly after his return, marking a turning point in his spiritual journey.
Though brief, Wesley’s time in Savannah left lasting contributions. He published one of the earliest hymnals in America, A Collection of Psalms and Hymns (1737), used in Savannah’s worship services. His efforts to minister to Native Americans, though limited, reflected his commitment to universal outreach. The seeds of Methodism planted in Georgia grew as the movement spread across the American colonies in later decades.
John Wesley’s Impact on Savannah
Wesley’s influence in Savannah extended beyond his 22-month stay. The Methodist movement he founded gained traction in Georgia, with the first Methodist society in Savannah established in the 19th century. Today, Methodism remains a significant presence in the city, with numerous Methodist churches tracing their spiritual lineage to Wesley’s teachings.
Savannah also honors Wesley’s historical role. His statue, erected in 1969, stands in Reynolds Square, near the site of his ministry at Christ Church. The monument, depicting Wesley in his preacher’s robes, serves as a reminder of his contributions to the city’s religious and cultural heritage.
Visiting John Wesley’s Savannah Today
For those interested in exploring John Wesley’s legacy, Savannah offers several sites and resources where visitors can learn more about this influential figure.
Historical Sites
Reynolds Square: Located in Savannah’s historic district, this square features the John Wesley statue, a popular stop on walking tours. The square is near the original site of Christ Church, where Wesley preached. While the original church building no longer stands, the current Christ Church on Johnson Square (built in 1835) maintains its historical connection to Wesley’s ministry.
Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church: Founded in 1868, this church at 429 Abercorn Street was named in honor of John and Charles Wesley. Its Gothic Revival architecture and vibrant congregation make it a living testament to Methodism’s growth in Savannah. Visitors can attend services or contact the church for historical tours, which often highlight the Wesleys’ contributions. Check their website (wesleymonumental.org) for event schedules.
Savannah History Museum: Located at 303 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, this museum offers exhibits on Savannah’s colonial era, including Wesley’s time in the city. Artifacts and displays provide context for his role in early Georgia. The museum is open daily, with admission fees around $12 for adults (as of 2025).
Tours and Events
Savannah Walking Tours: Many guided tours, such as those offered by Savannah History Walks or Old Savannah Tours, include stops at Reynolds Square and discuss Wesley’s impact. These tours, typically lasting 1–2 hours, and can be booked online through providers like VisitSavannah.com.
Methodist Heritage Tours: Specialized tours focusing on Methodist history are occasionally offered by local churches or historical societies. Check VisitSavannah.com for seasonal events or Methodist-related programming.
Article Resources
Georgia Historical Society: Located at 501 Whitaker Street, this research center houses archives on colonial Georgia, including documents related to Wesley’s time in Savannah. (georgiahistory.com).
Online Resources: The General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church (gcah.org) provides digital exhibits and records about Wesley’s life, including his Georgia mission. The website is free to access and offers primary sources like Wesley’s journals.
Conclusion
John Wesley’s time in Savannah, though brief and tumultuous, was a crucial chapter in his life and the broader story of Methodism. His efforts to bring spiritual discipline to the Georgia Colony laid the foundation for a movement that would transform Christianity worldwide. Today, Savannah celebrates Wesley’s legacy through historic sites, churches, and educational resources that bring his story to life. Whether you’re strolling through Reynolds Square, worshipping at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, or diving into historical archives, Savannah offers rich opportunities to explore the enduring impact of this remarkable figure.
For more information on visiting Savannah or learning about John Wesley, check out VisitSavannah.com or contact local historical organizations. Plan your trip to experience the city where Wesley’s Methodist vision took its first steps in America.