John and Charles were born in 1703 and 1707, respectively, in Epworth , Lincolnshire , England. Their parents were Anglican rector, Samuel Wesley , and his wife, Susanna , who had strong Pietist leanings, but was an Anglican. Born the 15th child, John gained his devout faith from his mother. John Wesley is considered to be the father of Methodism. His brother, Charles, became one of the most prolific English-speaking poets, composing more than 6,500 hymns.