Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ is just one of more than 6,500 hymns composed by Charles Wesley, younger brother of John Wesley, founder of Methodism. An Post’s new 78c stamp marks the 300th anniversary of Charles Wesley’s birth in Lincolnshire, England in 1707.

Despite his closeness to his brother, Charles was not always in agreement with John in matters relating to their beliefs. Charles was strongly opposed to the idea of a breach with the Church of England into which they had been ordained. Nevertheless, his devotional compositions were more than just a testament to his faith; they provided an enduring musical and spiritual legacy and to this day, his hymns are contemplated and celebrated by Christians across the world.