HOLY CLUB

group of Oxford students led by John and Charles Wesley, whose methodical habits of study and devotion led to their being derisively called methodists. Organized by Charles Wesley, who soon turned the leadership over to John in November 1729, the group met regularly to study the Scriptures and the classics. Communion was celebrated frequently and members fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays. They were also concerned with social work and worked in prisons and among the poor. The Holy Club disintegrated in 1735 when the Wesleys left Oxford.