Filmed Lecture

The Awakening of 1859-60 in Great Britain and Beyond: J. Edwin Orr on the History of Revival

J. Edwin Orr recounts the remarkable revival of 1859, which began in Ireland and spread across the United Kingdom and beyond. This movement, characterized by fervent prayer and mass conversions, significantly impacted religious life and church attendance, leaving a lasting legacy in both Europe and the mission fields.

Key points

The 1859 revival began in Ireland, inspired by the American Great Awakening of 1858.
Prayer meetings played a crucial role in sparking and sustaining the revival.
The movement spread rapidly to Scotland, Wales, and England, affecting various denominations.
The revival was marked by mass conversions and significant church growth.
The impact extended to mission fields in India, Australia, and South Africa.
The revival emphasized the power of prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit.

“Readable” is a lightly edited reading copy; “Verbatim” stays close to the spoken words. The video is the record of what was said.

The Revival Begins in Ireland

In Philadelphia, a book titled Pentecost in Philadelphia described the impact of the Great Awakening of 1858. Inspired by this, the Irish Presbyterian Church began praying for revival. James McQuilkin, influenced by George Müller's testimony and the American revival, started a prayer meeting in Kells near Ballymena. This meeting grew, and on March 14, 1859, a large gathering in Ahoghill saw people moved to their knees in the streets, marking the first mass conviction in the UK.

The Spread to Scotland and Wales

The revival quickly spread to Scotland, where a significant portion of the population was converted. The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and other denominations acknowledged the revival's impact. In Wales, Humphrey Jones, inspired by the American revival, preached fervently, leading to the conversion of about 100,000 people. The movement affected every county in Wales, spreading from Welsh-speaking to English-speaking areas.

England's Response and Challenges

In England, the revival began in the north and spread throughout the country. William Booth, who later founded the Salvation Army, was a key figure in the north. Despite some opposition from the Church of England, the revival saw significant growth in church attendance and conversions. The Baptists, Methodists, and other denominations strongly supported the movement, which added over a million converts in seven years.

Global Impact and Mission Fields

The revival's influence extended to Europe, with reports of 30 years of revival in Germany and significant movements in Scandinavia. In India, the revival sparked a great awakening in the south, marked by dreams, visions, and other manifestations. Australia experienced a similar movement, with significant church growth and conversions. In South Africa, a powerful revival began in Worcester, leading to widespread conversions among both white and black populations.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the mighty work of Your Spirit during the revival of 1859. May we be inspired by the power of prayer and the transformative impact of Your presence. Help us to seek revival in our own time, trusting in Your ability to move mightily among us. In Jesus' name, Amen.