1799 Bridgehampton Revival

Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church, NY
The Bridgehampton Revival of 1799 was a significant religious awakening that occurred in the town of Bridgehampton, New York, during the fall of 1799 and continued through the summer of 1800. This revival was unique in that it was a large, church-cantered affair, not affiliated with any specific denomination, though it is assumed to have taken place primarily within the Presbyterian church of Bridgehampton, reflecting the broader religious landscape of the time1.
This revival was part of a larger religious movement known as the Second Great Awakening, which swept through the United States in the late 18th and early 19th centuries1.
State of Religion in Bridgehampton Prior to 1799
Bridgehampton in the late 18th century was a community deeply rooted in religious tradition. The Presbyterian church played a central role in the lives of many residents2 with its origins tracing back to the early settlement of the town. The community had a history of religious fervour, as evidenced by the construction of a new meeting house in 1737, more than double the size of its predecessor, possibly accommodating up to 350 parishioners2.
Despite this strong religious foundation, by the late 1790s, there were signs of spiritual decline within the church2. This decline mirrored a broader trend observed in many parts of New England during this period, characterized by a waning of religious enthusiasm and a growing sense of complacency among church members2.
Previous Revivals
Adding to this historical context, the Bridgehampton Revival of 1799 was not an isolated incident. Religious awakenings had occurred in the region previously, demonstrating a pattern of spiritual fervour and decline. One notable example is the revival that took place in nearby East Hampton in 1800, led by Lyman Beecher4. This earlier revival, like the one in Bridgehampton, likely contributed to the overall religious climate of the time and may have even influenced the events in Bridgehampton.
Causes of the Revival
The Bridgehampton Revival was sparked by a confluence of factors, including the pre-existing religious climate in the community, the influence of the broader Second Great Awakening2 and news of similar revivals occurring in Connecticut1. This news from Connecticut likely served as a catalyst, igniting a desire for similar spiritual renewal within Bridgehampton.
A key catalyst for the revival was the formation of a small prayer group consisting of 10 to 15 devout individuals1. These individuals, concerned about the state of their church, began holding special prayer meetings, specifically seeking a revival in their community1. Their persistent prayers and unwavering faith laid the groundwork for the outpouring of spiritual entusiasm that would soon follow1. This demonstrates the power of dedicated prayer and its potential to spark widespread spiritual renewal, even in times of apparent spiritual decline.
Major Figures and Their Roles
While no specific individuals are named in the historical accounts of the Bridgehampton Revival, it is likely that the local Presbyterian minister, Aaron Woolworth, played a significant role1. Woolworth, a Yale graduate and a former student of Timothy Dwight, a prominent figure in the Second Great Awakening, was known for his evangelical zeal and his commitment to fostering religious revival2.
Other figures who may have influenced the revival include Samuel Buell, Woolworth’s father-in-law and a renowned revivalist minister at the East Hampton Presbyterian Church, and Lyman Beecher, another former student of Dwight who assumed the ministry in East Hampton after Buell’s death in 17982. These individuals, connected through their shared theological perspectives and their commitment to revivalism, likely contributed to the religious climate that made the Bridgehampton Revival possible2.
Churches Involved
The Bridgehampton Revival appears to have been centred primarily within the Presbyterian church1. This is consistent with the dominance of Presbyterianism in the region during this period and the role of Presbyterian ministers in promoting the Second Great Awakening2.
While other denominations may have been present in Bridgehampton, there is no evidence to suggest their direct involvement in the revival1. The focus on the Presbyterian church highlights the importance of denominational structures and leadership in shaping the course of religious awakenings1.
Prayers and Practices
Unfortunately, specific details about the prayers and practices used during the Bridgehampton Revival are not available in extant research material1. However, given the context of the Second Great Awakening, it is likely that the revival incorporated elements common to other revivals of the time, such as:
- Intense prayer meetings: These meetings often involved fervent prayers for personal conversion, the salvation of others, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit1.
- Emotional preaching: It is likely that ministers employed passionate and emotive language to awaken the consciences of their listeners and inspire them to seek repentance and conversion2.
- Public confessions of faith: Individuals were encouraged to publicly declare their faith in Christ and their commitment to a transformed life1.
Impact and Results
The Bridgehampton Revival had a profound impact on the religious and social landscape of the community1. While precise numbers are not available, historical accounts suggest a significant increase in church membership and a renewed commitment to religious practice among residents1. During the summer leading up to the revival, as many as 100 people were “hopefully converted,” and a large number of backsliders also repented and came back to the Lord, with 70 out of that total joining the church1.
The revival was so well-attended that church services were held twice a week, and people travelled for miles around to attend the services1. Many of the local places of “dissipation and vanity” were deserted, as were books of romance or novels1. In their stead, people picked up Bibles and other religious books1.
The revival also fostered a sense of unity and reconciliation within the community1. This is notable because revivals often sparked controversy and division. However, in Bridgehampton, there was a remarkable absence of opposition, with residents embracing the revival as a genuine outpouring of the Holy Spirit1.
The revival’s impact extended beyond the immediate religious sphere, influencing social and cultural norms1. There was a noticeable decline in activities associated with “dissipation and vanity,” such as frequenting taverns and reading novels1. Instead, residents turned to religious activities, such as Bible study and prayer1. This shift reflects the broader social reforms that often accompanied religious revivals during the Second Great Awakening1.
The Bridgehampton Revival and the Second Great Awakening
The Bridgehampton Revival was closely connected to the Second Great Awakening, a widespread religious movement that transformed American Protestantism in the late 18th and early 19th centuries1. This movement emphasized heart-felt religious experiences, personal conversion, and active piety3.
The Second Great Awakening was characterized by large-scale revivals, often held in outdoor settings or camp meetings3. These revivals attracted thousands of participants and led to a surge in church membership across various denominations3.
The Bridgehampton Revival, while smaller in scale than some of the more famous camp meetings, shared key characteristics with the broader movement1. It emphasized personal conversion, fervent prayer, and a renewed commitment to religious practice1.
The revival’s occurrence in 1799 places it squarely within the timeline of the Second Great Awakening, highlighting its contribution to this transformative period in American religious history1. Furthermore, the Bridgehampton Revival, despite its local nature, exemplifies the key characteristics of the larger movement, such as the emphasis on personal conversion and deep spiritual experiences1.
Conclusion
The Bridgehampton Revival of 1799 testifies to the power of religious fervour and the transforming potential of spiritual awakenings. While specific details about the revival remain elusive, the available historical accounts paint a picture of a community deeply affected by a renewed sense of faith and religious commitment. The revival’s impact extended beyond the walls of the church, influencing social norms and contributing to the broader religious landscape of the Second Great Awakening.
As a microcosm of the Second Great Awakening, the Bridgehampton Revival reflects the recurring patterns of religious fervour, social reform, and cultural shifts that have shaped the nation’s identity. These patterns of spiritual awakening and decline, followed by renewed religious enthusiasm, have played a significant role throughout American history, influencing not only religious practices but also social and cultural norms.
The Bridgehampton Revival serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of religious revivals in shaping American history and culture.
Works cited
- 1799 Bridgehampton Revival – BEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://romans1015.com/bridgehampton/
- A version of this article will appear in Volume 15 of The Long Island Historical Journal. – East Hampton Library, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://easthamptonlibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20020418.pdf
- Second Great Awakening – Wikipedia, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Great_Awakening
- 1800 East Hampton Revival – BEAUTIFUL FEETBEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://romans1015.com/1800easthampton/