1738 Pennsylvania Revival

Samuel Blair
Antecedents of the Pennsylvania Revival
To understand the Pennsylvania Revival, it is essential to examine the religious and social context of the time. Pennsylvania, founded by William Penn in 1681, was known for its policy of religious tolerance 2. This attracted a diverse array of religious groups, including Quakers, Mennonites, Catholics, Huguenots, Moravians, and Schwenkfelders 3. This open policy resulted in rapid population growth, making Philadelphia the largest city in colonial America by the time of the American Revolution 4. By the early 18th century, however, a sense of complacency and decline in personal piety had crept into the religious landscape 5. Church attendance dwindled, and many were drawn to the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and deism 5.
Adding to this religious climate, German Pietism had been flourishing in Europe for at least a decade 6. Pietists, rebelling against the formalism of the established Protestant churches, insisted upon a more spiritual and living faith, emphasizing simplicity, a heart-felt love for God, and the necessity of a new birth 6. This emphasis on personal experience and emotional engagement with faith would play a crucial role in the Pennsylvania Revival.
Key Individuals Involved
The Pennsylvania Revival was fuelled by the passionate preaching of several key individuals. While specific information about preachers in Pennsylvania in 1738 is limited, the broader First Great Awakening saw figures like George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards emerge as prominent leaders. Whitefield, a Calvinistic Methodist from England, made several journeys to America between 1738 and 1770, becoming a unifying figure in the revival movement 1. His charismatic preaching style drew large crowds and contributed to the growth of various denominations 1.
Jonathan Edwards, a Congregational minister in Northampton, Massachusetts, played a pivotal role in the First Great Awakening. His sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” delivered in 1741, is a powerful example of the revivalist message, emphasizing the need for repentance and the dangers of God’s wrath 7.
In Pennsylvania, figures like Samuel Blair, a Presbyterian pastor, contributed to the revival’s momentum 8. Blair’s preaching focused on the need for individuals to trust solely in Christ for salvation, challenging those who relied on their own religious works 8. His ministry in Fagg’s Manor Presbyterian Church in New Londonderry saw a surge in religious fervor and conversions 8.
The Moravians, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1738, also played a significant role in the revival, particularly among the German population 1. Their emphasis on Pietism further contributed to the religious enthusiasm of the time.
Key Places and Events
While specific information about locations and events in Pennsylvania during 1738 is limited, the broader First Great Awakening saw revivals take place in various settings, including churches, camp meetings, and open-air gatherings 9. Churches like Bangor Church in Churchtown, Pennsylvania, played a role in the religious life of the community 10. Constructed in 1733, Bangor Church served as a gathering place for the Welsh settlers in the area 10.
The “King’s Highway,” or Main Street as it is known today, was laid out in 1737 and 1738, running through Churchtown and passing by Bangor Church 10. This road played a crucial role in connecting the community and facilitating travel during the revival.
Spiritual Manifestations
The Pennsylvania Revival, like the broader First Great Awakening, was characterized by unusual spiritual manifestations. These included instances of people falling, crying out, fainting, shrieking, and experiencing convulsions during religious services 11. These manifestations were seen as outward signs of the intense emotional and spiritual experiences people underwent during the revival.
Results and Influence of the Pennsylvania Revival
The Pennsylvania Revival, like the broader First Great Awakening, had a significant impact on religious life in the colonies. While precise numbers are difficult to ascertain, the revival led to a surge in conversions and church growth 12. The emphasis on personal piety and religious experience revitalized existing denominations and contributed to the rise of new ones, such as the Methodists and Baptists 1. Notably, the revival brought religion to the common man, democratising religious experience and fostering a sense of spiritual equality 1.
The revival also had broader social and cultural consequences. It fostered a sense of shared identity and purpose among colonists from different backgrounds and denominations 5. This shared religious experience would later play a role in the American Revolution, as colonists united around common values and ideals 5.
The Pennsylvania Revival’s influence extended beyond the borders of the colony. It contributed to the growth of evangelicalism in other colonies and influenced religious denominations across the American colonies 13. The emphasis on personal conversion, emotional engagement with faith, and the importance of religious experience resonated with people from various backgrounds and traditions 5.
Pennsylvania’s unique approach to religious tolerance, in contrast to the established churches in other colonies, played a crucial role in shaping the revival’s impact 13. This emphasis on religious freedom contributed to the diverse and dynamic religious landscape of the colony and fostered an environment where evangelicalism could flourish.
Timeline of the Pennsylvania Revival
While constructing a precise timeline of events specifically for the Pennsylvania Revival in 1738 is challenging due to limited information, we can place it within the broader context of the First Great Awakening and related events:
Date | Event | Description |
1727 | Revival at Moravian Church in Herrnhut, Germany | Marked the beginning of a renewed emphasis on personal piety and religious experience that would spread to other parts of Europe and America. |
1733 | Bangor Church constructed in Churchtown, Pennsylvania | Served as an important gathering place for the Welsh settlers in the area and played a role in the religious life of the community. |
1734 | Revival in Northampton, Massachusetts, under Jonathan Edwards | Led by the influential preacher Jonathan Edwards, this revival marked a significant turning point in the First Great Awakening. |
1738 | John Wesley’s conversion experience | A pivotal moment in Wesley’s life, leading him to embrace the concept of salvation by grace through faith and dedicate his life to spreading this message. |
1738 | George Whitefield begins his preaching tours in America | Whitefield’s charismatic preaching style drew large crowds and contributed to the growth of various denominations during the First Great Awakening. |
1738 | Moravians arrive in Pennsylvania | The Moravians, with their emphasis on Pietism, contributed to the religious fervour of the time, particularly among the German population. |
1739 | Samuel Blair begins his ministry in Fagg’s Manor Presbyterian Church, Pennsylvania | Blair’s preaching focused on the need for individuals to trust solely in Christ for salvation, leading to a surge in religious fervor and conversions in his congregation. |
1741 | Jonathan Edwards preaches “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” | This powerful sermon, delivered in Northampton, Massachusetts, exemplified the revivalist message, emphasizing the need for repentance and the dangers of God’s wrath. |
Conclusion and Main Takeaways
The Pennsylvania Revival of 1738 was a pivotal moment in the religious history of colonial America. It marked a shift from religious complacency to renewed fervour, emphasizing personal piety, emotional engagement with faith, and the importance of religious experience. While specific details about the revival in Pennsylvania during 1738 are limited, it was undoubtedly part of the larger First Great Awakening, which had a profound and lasting impact on the religious landscape of the American colonies.
The revival’s emphasis on individual conversion and the formation of small groups for mutual support contributed to the growth of new denominations and revitalized existing ones. It also fostered a sense of shared identity and purpose among colonists from different backgrounds, laying the groundwork for the American Revolution 5. The emphasis on personal piety and religious experience resonated with people from various backgrounds and traditions, contributing to a shared religious culture in the colonies 5.
Pennsylvania’s unique approach to religious tolerance, in contrast to the established churches in other colonies, played a crucial role in shaping the revival’s impact 13. This emphasis on religious freedom contributed to the diverse and dynamic religious landscape of the colony and fostered an environment where evangelicalism could flourish.
The Pennsylvania Revival’s legacy continues to shape American religious life today, reminding us of the power of personal faith and the importance of spiritual awakening. It serves as a demonstration of the enduring human need for religious revival and the transformative potential of spiritual renewal.
Works cited
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