The Methodist movement began in a most unpretentious place; a nursery. To people living in 1708, it would have seemed awesome if they were told that in an obscure rectory in Epworth, in the bleak east country of England, one of the most important events happening in Europe at that time was simply a mother teaching her children to pray. John Wesley, the son of Susanna Wesley, was the fifteenth of nineteen children, nine of whom died at a very young age. It was the enriching early training the children received in the crowded nursery from their mother, Susanna, which planted the seed of the whole Methodist movement of which John Wesley was the founder.From then on the children attended school in the home from 9-12 noon and from 2-5 pm each week day. Both her love for John and her religious dedication are found in the prayer she wrote after John, age six, was rescued from a burning house. “I do intend to be more particularly careful with the soul of this child, which Thou hast so mercifully provided for than ever I had been that I may instill into his mind, the principles of true religion and virtue.” Susanna Wesley’s dedication and deep wisdom fostered John Wesley’s decision to become a minister and to begin Methodism. It is appropriate that the school has taken the name of such a dedicated mother. September 2008 marks Susanna Wesley School’s 42nd year of providing an enriching early childhood experience for children. The nursery school was first organized in the parsonage of the Huntington United Methodist Church with an enrollment of eight children. After the church was built on Walnut Tree Hill Road, the nursery school was transferred to its present location and has remained there until the present.A rare combination of executive ability, common sense, and love for children, deep religious insight and unending devotion were traits that made Susanna Wesley unique. In the 1700’s there were no schools for young children, so Susanna took the responsibilities of educating her own children. She was patient, but firm, and she imparted a love of learning to her students.As soon as the children could speak, they were taught the Lord’s Prayer which was completed each morning and evening. Other scriptures and prayers were taught as the children grew older. Susanna took each child aside once a week to talk privately about their spiritual life. Each child mastered the alphabet at age 5.Today the school provides classes for three year olds, four year olds, pre- kindergarten and K Club children. The enrollment is 200 children with a professional staff of 20. With this rich history in the past, Susanna Wesley School continues to help enrich the lives of children and their families. 
Copyright 2008- 2009. Created by JWN
