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| Abertillery Baptismal Services: Feb. 18, 1905 |
In Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, Abertillery (pastor, the Rev. D. Collier), on Sunday 38 people were baptized, five of whom came forward out of the audience without any pre-arrangement. One of the converts was a gentleman of position, who lives about a mile from the town, he would have to walk back to his home after the baptism in a soaked condition had not some friends found him dry clothes. The week before last seventeen converts came in the same way. Before the revival the Church had 500 members, and there have now been in addition to this 630 converts. The chapel on Sunday night was uncomfortably crowded, and about a hundred members went out to the square and a very large meeting was held there, those who failed to gain admission to the chapel joining.
| Newbridge : Feb. 18, 1905 - Change in Life and Manners |
The Revival has effected a wonderful change in life and manners. All the churches have been touched by the Revival fire, and aggressive work is being taken with fruitful results. An official of the Celynen Colliery, when asked how the religious fervor had expressed itself underground, said: "This is a blessed time. When I go around on my inspection now I rarely hear a blasphemous word or oath. There is a glorious change for the better." Since the Revival commenced 400 converts have been added to the churches.
| Holyhead - Five Hundred Converts ? 1904 |
The Revival in this district is having a remarkable effect on the public houses. In one village a short distance from Holyhead only one glass of beer was sold during the last week, and at another village only three. At Halthead a drunken man is a thing of the past, and the police are having an easy time of it. Mr. Jenkins, from South Wales, accompanied by some ladies, held Revival services at Ebenezer and Hyfrydle Chapels, with the result that the converts at Holyhead are now estimated to number over 500. One carter in the town who has been in the habit of conveying beer and spirits from the station to the public houses has now been converted, and has refused to do the cartage.
| Manchester - A Rector's View |
In his monthly address to his parishioners the Rev. S.B. Ainley, rector of St. James's South Manchester, refers to the Revival. He says: "The Revival in Wales is a great sight. For some time the Church was in dire need of a Revival. Avowed enemies of the faith of Jesus Christ have become bold and militant. Men holding high positions in the Church - Conformist and Nonconformist - have declared their unbelief on some of the vital doctrines of Christianity. Now a great surprise is on us. Without any organization or advertisement, which is thought necessary to prepare the way of a parochial mission or of the visit of such evangelists as Mr. Torrey and Alexander, the countryside is shaken by a moral earthquake. It is not devastation. It is renovation. Sobriety replaces drunkenness. Industry becomes joyful duty. Husbands and wives are united in bonds of new and purer love. Prodigal sons and daughters return home. And there are no mighty orators to sway the people. If we ask what it all means, what the energy and power are that effect these things - it is the Holy Spirit. God is working amongst the people. This gracious visitation has been longed and prayed for. Shall not we in England be visited also?"
| Devonshire - Scenes at Torrington |
A wave of spiritual blessing is passing over the town of Torrington, North Devon. The week of united prayer at the beginning of the year was devoted to special prayer for a Revival. Denominational distinctions were forgotten in the common desire for the Spirit's outpouring. The spirit of the prayer grew in intensity and power, and so clear were the signs of God's blessing, that the meetings have continued ever since, and have increased in interest and enthusiasm. The town is being awakened as never before. Those who had spoken against religion now make the revival a topic of conversation. Already over 100 have made open confession of Christ. As in Wales, so here - it is a movement of the Spirit, and is an answer to long and continued prayers. The Free Church ministers and over 200 of the members and friends from various churches formed a procession and marched through the principal streets. Several of the customers of the public houses joined in and accompanied the friends to the Bluie Christian Chapel, where an impressive gospel service was held. Short mid-day prayer meeting are held each day and largely attended.
| South Carnarvonshire - The Power of Prayer |
The Rev. James Hughes, writing from the remote district of Ederyn, South Carnarvonshire, says: "This quiet neighborhood has felt a strong spiritual visitation for the last six weeks. There are so many striking instances worth relating that it is difficult to choose any out of them. Early in these services or prayer meetings a dear young woman began praying for her father, who was "near to the Kingdom of Heaven" and she did so several times. Next week he gave himself up, and after hearing his name, the minister, seeing his daughter just before him, addressed her. "Well, Ellen, dear, your prayer has been answered, "and at once she beautifully replied, "Ni fethodd gweddi daer enioed a nhynaedd hyd y nef, " which may be translated, "A fervent prayer has never been failed its way right up to heaven." Another remarkable instance was a little girl of twelve praying for her father, and saying, time after time, that He would surely answer her in His own good time, "though we do not know when, but are quite content for Thee to do in Thine own time," she said. The evening after her request was granted, it was most pathetic to hear her prayer of thanksgiving, "We know Thou wouldst answer, and now thank Thee that we have seen it. We shall never forget the day."
| Cardiff - A Handful of Fire |
An aged Lincolnshire farmer was so impressed by the newspaper reports of the Revival that he wrote to a lady friend begging her to go down to Wales and bring back, if possible, a "handful of the religious fire." He would pay all the expenses. That lady was at the Welsh tabernacle, in the Hayes, recently, when, with much simplicity and fervor, she told the story, "And here I am," she went on smilingly. "This has been the happiest, the most glorious week of my life. I have heard and seen so much to rejoice over. God is very good to you Welsh people. Will you please-please pray that He will help me to take back some of the 'fire' to my county, where we need it so much." Earnest prayers followed, and the lady thanked her "dear, kind friends."
| Abertillery - Drunkards Saved |
One evening two men greatly under the influence of drink entered the Salvation Army Barracks while a Revival meeting was being conducted, and appeared to be greatly affected. They gave their names as converts, but seeing their condition those present thought that they would have forgotten all about the matter the next day. On looking them up, however, the officers were overjoyed to find that both men remembered what had taken place, and were determined to lead a better life.
| Ammanford - A New Town |
Half a dozen young people cannot meet accidentally in the street without joining in praise. Recently a group of children met on the Cross and began to sing and pray. Ultimately they were joined by young men and women. The result was a grand open-air prayer meeting. The most noteworthy characteristic about the gatherings is their spontaneity. Ammanford is a new town. Young people full of religious enthusiasm frequently walk three or four miles over the mountains to hold meetings at farms and hamlets.
| Garndiffaith - A Versatile Traveler |
A traveler at Garn said, "Today revival comes before business," At one place where he called to do business the people found that he could play the organ, and before any business could be done a regular Revival service took place, the traveler acted as organist. "Throw out the lifeline" was sung by those present. The service then closed, and good business was subsequently transacted.
