Happy Birthday, Susanna Wesley!

A Celebration of Her Life, Legacy, and the Spirit that Inspires Susanna Wesley House

Introduction: Celebrating the Mother of Methodism

Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Susanna Wesley, often called the “Mother of Methodism.” Born on January 20, 1669, in London, England, Susanna was more than the mother of John and Charles Wesley—the founders of the Methodist movement. She was a woman of extraordinary intellect, faith, and perseverance who shaped her children and, through them, transformed the spiritual life of millions across the world.

Though she lived over three centuries ago, Susanna Wesley’s story still resonates deeply—especially for us here at Susanna Wesley House in Baltimore City. Her devotion to education, family, and service reflects the same core values that drive our mission to support women and children in need.

Susanna Wesley’s Life and Legacy

Born into a devout family, Susanna Annesley was the youngest of 25 children. From an early age, she displayed remarkable discipline and a passion for learning—a rare quality for women in the 17th century. She married Samuel Wesley, a clergyman, and together they raised 19 children (though only 10 survived into adulthood).

Life in the Wesley household was far from easy. Financial hardships, illness, and even a devastating house fire tested Susanna’s resilience. Yet through every trial, she remained steadfast in her faith and commitment to her family’s spiritual and intellectual growth.

She famously conducted daily lessons with her children, teaching them reading, writing, and theology. Each child received one-on-one time with her every week—a practice that profoundly shaped their development. From these humble beginnings emerged John and Charles Wesley, whose leadership would give rise to the global Methodist movement.

For Susanna, faith was not confined to church walls—it was a way of life built on education, compassion, and service to others.

The Spirit of Susanna Wesley in Baltimore City

Centuries later, her spirit lives on at Susanna Wesley House, located in the heart of Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood. Like Susanna herself, our mission is rooted in care, education, and empowerment.

At our transitional home, we provide safe housing and supportive programs for homeless or housing-insecure mothers and their children. Here, women can rebuild their lives, gain independence, and create a stable foundation for their families—echoing Susanna Wesley’s belief that education and faith can transform lives and communities.

Mount Vernon, known for its rich cultural and spiritual history, is the perfect place to honor Susanna’s legacy. The neighborhood’s blend of historic churches, social services, and community spirit reflects the very principles that Susanna embodied: compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to nurturing others.

Honoring Her Legacy Today

As we celebrate Susanna Wesley’s birthday, we are reminded that her life’s work continues through every mother who finds strength, every child who finds stability, and every family that finds hope within our walls.

Her story teaches us that a single act of care, education, or faith can ripple across generations. At Susanna Wesley House, we strive to keep that spirit alive every day—by creating a safe haven where women and children can heal, grow, and thrive.

Happy Birthday, Susanna Wesley. Your legacy lives on in every life we touch.

If you would like to honor Susanna Wesley’s legacy, consider supporting our mission.

Donate today or learn more about our programs at SusannaWesleyHouse.org.