The Oxford Methodists: Memoirs of the Rev. Messrs. Clayton, Ingham, Gambold, Hervey and Broughton, with Biographical Notices of Others written by Luke Tyerman in 1873 and published by Harper Brothers. This book was written to give attention to the lives and ministries of the men in the Holy Club.
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When Charles first arrived to go to school at Oxford, he was not deeply devoted to religion. However, over time he re-committed himself to the faith and followed the “method of study” of religion that was prescribed by the university, which is how he earned the nickname of Methodist. However, there is some dispute among scholars on whether he was the first person to ever be referred to as a Methodist (Yriogen 2013, 4).

While at school, Charles founded the Oxford Holy Club. The Holy Club would focus on excellence in academic work, attending the Lord’s Supper, observing fasts, Bible study, group prayer, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and tutoring impoverished children (Yriogen 2013, 4).

Charles Wesley’s Hymns for Ascension Day published by George Whitfield’s press in 1798.
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One significant member of this club was George Whitfield. Whitfield would become a renown evangelist and preacher in both England and America. However, Whitfield did differ from the Wesleys in his belief that people had no free will in their salvation. The Wesleys believed that God gave grace to all people and that they were free to accept or reject salvation (Yriogen 2013, 4).

“Methodists” was the term that those followed the Wesleys’ methods became known as. Charles and John became ordained ministers for the Church of England. The Wesleys only had a desire to reform the Church of England. Methodism was intended to be a “demanding and disciplined pathway of worship and discipleship” (Yriogen 2013, 10). Charles never wanted the Methodists to split off from the Church of England (Yriogen 2014, 15).