New Chaplain Serves First Holy Communion

March 14, 1736 - The Reverend Mr. John Wesley, newly arrived chaplain for Savannah, served the sacrament of Holy Communion to eighteen Savannah residents today. “I intend to administer Holy Communion on each Sunday, and on holidays, as is prescribed by the Church of England,” the Reverend Mr. Wesley announced. He encourages all in the Savannah community to avail themselves of the sacrament on a regular basis.

Mr. Wesley, previously an instructor at Lincoln College, Oxford, has been appointed to the post of Chaplain by the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge and by Governor Oglethorpe,

Mr. J. Wesley (Burgess Jenkins) conducts a service
of Holy Communion .

Carrie Anne Hunt ("Sophie Hopkey") visits the statue of John Wesley in Savannah, GA

Carrie Anne Hunt ("Sophy Hopkey") lets Mr. Wesley know just what she thinks of him!

Orchestral Score for new Film Nears Completion

Film composer Bruce Kiesling The orchestral score for the feature film Wesley is nearing completion. Composer Bruce Kiesling has sought to capture an authentic eighteenth century feel in the score while also speaking emotionally to a twenty-first century audience. “The music serves to accentuate the emotional impact of many scenes,” Kiesling said. The score also provides continuity and a consistent feel to the production. Much of the movie uses a smaller, eighteenth century style ensemble, though there are moments when a full orchestra will be used to accentuate sweeping or powerful moments. Producers expect to record the music with professional musicians in April. “This is the last major phase of production,” said director John Jackman. “Once the score is recorded, we can move on to final mix for 5.1 audio and begin plans for release.”

Sophie’s Revenge

Carrie Anne Hunt, who plays Sophie Hopkey in the feature film Wesley, recently appeared in an independent film shot in Savannah, Georgia, and had a chance to visit the statue of John Wesley on Reynolds Square in the old section of the historic city. She sent us this photo of her telling Wesley exactly what “Sophie” thought of him!

Miss Hopkey, whose romance with Wesley ended poorly when the young cleric could not commit to marriage, abruptly married William Williamson, a lodger who worked for her uncle. Bitterness between Sophie and John festered until Wesley refused to serve her communion at a public service, leading to a lawsuit for defamation of character. The real-life story sounds like a soap opera plot!

What Would Wesley Do?

An interesting side note to the statue of John Wesley in Savannah – this week we also received a link to an editorial by the Rev. Creede Hinshaw, pastor at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church in Savannah. He’s noticed that behind the Reynolds Square statue honoring the man who ministered to the poor of England, there is a sign that reads:

NO PANHANDLING City Code 9-1001

Pastor Hinshaw wonders –- quite rightly -- what Wesley himself would think of this city policy.

READ THE EDITORIAL IN THE SAVANNAH MORNING NEWS (link may expire)

The Savannah Times is an extremely occasional publication of Foundery Pictures. For more information about the feature film WESLEY, visit: