A History of the 1800s United Brethren Revivals

Philip William Otterbein, Founder of the United Brethren Church
The 1800s United Brethren Revivals were a significant part of the Second Great Awakening, a period of religious enthusiasm that swept through the United States from the 1790s to the 1830s 1. This movement saw widespread religious revivals, particularly among Methodist and Baptist churches, and led to increased church membership and the formation of new congregations 2. The United Brethren in Christ, a denomination with origins among German-speaking immigrants in Pennsylvania and Maryland, played a vital role in this religious awakening 1.
State of Religion in the United States Prior to the Revivals
In the decades leading up to the Second Great Awakening, there was a decline in religious commitment and church attendance throughout the United States 3. Many considered religion to be “dying” 3. However, by the turn of the century, a renewed interest in Christianity began to emerge, marked by frequent revivals, increased church memberships, and a surge in religious meetings 4. This renewed interest in the Christian faith set the stage for the United Brethren Revivals and the broader Second Great Awakening.
Former Revivals and Influences
The United Brethren Revivals were part of a larger trend of religious revivals occurring throughout the United States during the Second Great Awakening 1. Some notable revivals of this era include the 1797 New England Revivals, the 1800 Red River Revival, the 1801 Cane Ridge Revival, and revivals in the Old South (1813-1847) and New York (1815-1840) 1.
These revivals shared common features, characterized by lively services with manifestations such as shouting, clapping, falling, trances, visions, and dreams 1. The United Brethren Revivals exhibited similar characteristics, with participants experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit in tangible ways 1.
It is important to note the connection between these revivals and the emergence of Pentecostalism in the early 20th century. Both emphasized the experiential dimension of faith, with manifestations of the Holy Spirit like divine healing.
Specific Prayers Used During the Revivals
While specific prayers from the 1800s United Brethren Revivals are not available in the provided research material, there is information on the prayer practices of other revivalists during the Second Great Awakening. Daniel Nash and Abel Clary, who were involved in revivals alongside evangelist Charles Finney, employed unique prayer methods 6.
They would arrive in a town weeks before Finney, rent a room, gather a prayer group, and spend days in prayer, often fasting and lying facedown 6. Their prayers were described as tear-filled, fervent, loud, and accompanied by writhing and groaning 6. These intense prayer practices reflect the spiritual atmosphere of the revivals and the emphasis on seeking God’s power.
Camp Meetings and the Revivals
Camp meetings played a crucial role in the United Brethren Revivals. These outdoor gatherings, often lasting several days, provided a space for people to come together for worship, preaching, and spiritual renewal. The first camp meeting held by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ took place on land owned by Christian Newcomer’s brother, Abraham, near Rocky Spring, Pennsylvania 1.
At this meeting, many people were said to have fallen down “as if dead” under the power of the preaching, only to rise again “shouting victory” 1. These camp meetings became a hallmark of the revivals, drawing large crowds and fostering a sense of communal religious experience.
How the Revivals Started
The United Brethren Revivals trace their roots to a worship meeting held in a barn owned by Isaac Long sometime after 1766 1. At this meeting, which was described as a “lively event” 7, Philip William Otterbein, a German Reformed pastor, was deeply moved by the preaching of Martin Boehm, a Mennonite preacher 7.
Otterbein embraced Boehm and declared, “Wir sind bruder” (“We are brethren”) 7. This encounter marked the beginning of a revival movement that spread through meetings in homes, barns, and open fields 1. The movement gained momentum and led to the formal establishment of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ in 1800, with Otterbein and Boehm as its first bishops 1.
Major Leaders and Their Roles
Philip William Otterbein (1726-1813) and Martin Boehm (1725-1812) were the key figures in the 1800s United Brethren Revivals 1. Otterbein, a German Reformed pastor, was known for his education, articulate speaking, and strong leadership 8. Boehm, a Mennonite farmer, was described as plain and humble but with a charismatic presence 7.
Despite their differences in background and personality, they shared a common belief in the transforming power of Christ and a passion for evangelism 7. Together, they led the revival movement, mentored other pastors, and oversaw the growth of the United Brethren in Christ 8.
Otterbein and Boehm’s contrasting styles proved to be a significant factor in the success of the movement. Otterbein’s intellectual approach and Boehm’s more emotional and experiential style appealed to a diverse audience. They complemented each other, reaching both the head and the heart, and their combined influence helped to unite people from different backgrounds and theological perspectives.
In addition to their leadership roles, Otterbein and Boehm provided “supervision and instruction—mentoring” to pastors from various denominations who joined the revival movement 8. They also relied on circuit riders, itinerant preachers who traveled on horseback to spread the Gospel and oversee scattered groups of believers 8. These circuit riders played a crucial role in expanding the reach of the revivals and establishing new congregations in frontier areas.
Churches Involved in the Revivals
The United Brethren Revivals were characterized by interdenominational cooperation 1. While the movement originated among German-speaking churches in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, it expanded to include people from various denominations, including Presbyterians, Lutherans, Mennonites, Dunkards, and River Brethren 1. This spirit of unity and collaboration contributed to the widespread impact of the revivals.
The revivals also influenced the formation of other denominations, such as the Evangelical Church and Churches of God 9. This demonstrates the broader impact of the movement and its role in shaping the religious landscape of the United States.
It is important to highlight the unique doctrinal beliefs of the Brethren in Christ, who played a significant role in the revivals. They emphasized the concept of “praying through” to achieve salvation, believing that it was not merely a matter of intellectual assent but a deep, emotional experience 10. This emphasis on personal experience and the pursuit of holiness contributed to the fervour and intensity of the revivals.
Before 1800, there were only three church buildings in the entire United Brethren connection: Geeting’s meeting house near Keedysville, Maryland (built in 1780); Otterbein Church in Baltimore (built in 1785); and Neidig’s meeting house in Oberlin, Pennsylvania (built in 1793) 11. These early churches served as centres for worship and community for the growing movement.
The interdenominational nature of the United Brethren Revivals was significant in the context of American religious history. At a time when denominational divisions were often sharp, the revivals fostered a spirit of unity and cooperation among diverse groups. This collaboration contributed to a greater sense of religious identity in the young nation and helped to lay the groundwork for future ecumenical efforts.
Personal Testimonies of Participants
Christian Newcomer, who later became the third bishop of the United Brethren in Christ, provides a firsthand account of the revivals 1. He describes a service in 1803 where people were overcome by conviction of sin and fell to the floor 1. In another service that year, with 300-400 people present, many were overcome by the Holy Spirit, prompting Newcomer to compare the event to Pentecost 1. These testimonies illustrate the powerful spiritual experiences that characterized the revivals.
Manifestations of the Holy Spirit
The 1800s United Brethren Revivals were marked by various manifestations attributed to the Holy Spirit 12. These included:
- Unconsciousness: People were reported to fall unconscious for extended periods, sometimes up to 12 hours or more, which was interpreted as being overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit 12.
- Ecstatic States: Participants entered “states of ecstasy,” experiencing intense emotions and spiritual transports 12.
- Visions, Dreams, and Prophecies: The revivals were accompanied by reports of visions, dreams, and prophecies, which were seen as signs of God’s presence and guidance 12.
One account describes a camp meeting where three young men, standing around a campfire, were suddenly “struck with the power of God” and fell to the ground unconscious 1. They remained in this state for nearly half a day before regaining consciousness, trembling, and praying for mercy 1. This dramatic event highlights the intensity of the spiritual atmosphere and the tangible sense of God’s presence during the revivals.
These manifestations, while unusual, were not uncommon in the broader context of the Second Great Awakening, where similar phenomena were reported in various denominations 1.
The Place of Prayer
Prayer played a central role in the 1800s United Brethren Revivals. Meetings were often held in homes, barns, and open fields, where participants engaged in fervent prayer 1. The emphasis on prayer reflects the spiritual hunger and the desire for God’s presence that fuelled the revivals.
Immediate and Lasting Results
The 1800s United Brethren Revivals had a profound impact on individuals and communities. The revivals led to numerous conversions, increased church membership, and the formation of new congregations 13. They also sparked a renewed emphasis on personal piety, social reform, and missionary work 3. The revivals contributed to the growth of the United Brethren in Christ and helped shape the religious landscape of the United States during the Second Great Awakening.
One notable outcome of the revivals was the establishment of the “Home, Frontier, and Foreign Missionary Society” in 1853 7. This organization reflected the growing missionary zeal that emerged from the revivals and led to the United Brethren’s first missionary venture: a wagon train journey from Iowa to Oregon to start new churches 7. This ambitious undertaking, with 38 ox-pulled wagons, 98 people, and 300 head of cattle, demonstrates the commitment to spreading the Gospel that arose from the revivals.
The revivals also had a significant social impact. The Second Great Awakening, of which the United Brethren Revivals were a part, stimulated various moral and philanthropic reforms, including temperance and the emancipation of women 2. This demonstrates the power of Christian revival to bring about positive social change.
Number of Converts
While the exact number of converts during the 1800s United Brethren Revivals is not specified in the research material, it is evident that the revivals led to a significant increase in church membership 1. The United Brethren in Christ experienced substantial growth during this period, with congregations spreading across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan 1.
The United Brethren Revivals and the Second Great Awakening
The 1800s United Brethren Revivals were an integral part of the Second Great Awakening, a widespread religious movement that swept through the United States from the 1790s to the 1830s 1. The Second Great Awakening was characterized by religious fervour, emotional preaching, and an emphasis on personal conversion 14. The United Brethren Revivals shared these characteristics and contributed to the overall impact of the Second Great Awakening on American society.
The Second Great Awakening was a response to the perceived decline in religious commitment and the rise of rationalism in the late 18th century. It emphasized the emotional and experiential aspects of faith, with revivals serving as a catalyst for spiritual renewal and social reform. The United Brethren Revivals, with their emphasis on personal conversion, the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, and the active involvement of lay people, exemplified the key characteristics of the Second Great Awakening.
Chronological Timeline
While a precise chronological timeline of the 1800s United Brethren Revivals cannot be fully constructed from the provided research material, key events can be summarized as follows:
- 1767: Otterbein and Boehm meet at a worship service in Isaac Long’s barn, marking the beginning of the United Brethren movement 7.
- 1774-1813: Otterbein pastors the Howard’s End Reformed church in Baltimore, Maryland, while continuing his involvement in the revival movement 15.
- 1800: The Church of the United Brethren in Christ is formally established, with Otterbein and Boehm elected as the first bishops 16.
- 1800-1840: The United Brethren Revivals flourish as part of the Second Great Awakening, with meetings held in homes, barns, and open fields 1.
- 1803: Christian Newcomer witnesses powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit during revival services, including people falling unconscious and experiencing ecstatic states 1.
- 1853: The “Home, Frontier, and Foreign Missionary Society” is established, reflecting the growing missionary zeal that emerged from the revivals 7. In the same year, the United Brethren undertake their first missionary venture, sending a wagon train to Oregon to start new churches 7.
Synthesis
The 1800s United Brethren Revivals were a pivotal moment in the history of American Christianity. They were characterized by fervent prayer, passionate preaching, and powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit. These revivals played a vital role in the Second Great Awakening, contributing to the growth of the United Brethren in Christ and shaping the religious landscape of the United States.
The revivals fostered a spirit of interdenominational cooperation, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and theological perspectives. They also sparked a renewed emphasis on personal piety, social reform, and missionary work. The legacy of these revivals continues to inspire and inform Christian faith today, reminding us of the transformative power of religious experience and the importance of unity and collaboration in the Christian community.
Works cited
- 1800s United Brethren Revivals – BEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://romans1015.com/united-brethren/
- Second Great Awakening | Description, History, & Key Figures – Britannica, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Second-Great-Awakening
- The First Great Awakening: Revival and the Birth of a Nation – Scholars Crossing, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1015&context=ljh
- Religious Revivals and Revivalism in 1830s New England | Teach US History, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://www.teachushistory.org/second-great-awakening-age-reform/articles/religious-revivals-revivalism-1830s-new-england
- Religion and the Founding of the American Republic | Exhibitions (Library of Congress), accessed on December 14, 2024, https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel07.html
- 1830 Prayer for Revival – BEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://romans1015.com/revival-prayer/
- Church of the United Brethren | Our History, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://ub.org/about/history/
- History of the United Brethren – Northern Illinois Conference, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://www.nicumm.org/home/about/united-brethren/
- United Brethren Archives – United Brethren Historical Center – RichLyn Library at Huntington University, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://huntington.libguides.com/ubhc/ubarchives
- Saxton Revival Archives – BEAUTIFUL FEETBEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://romans1015.com/tag/saxton-revival/
- History of the United Brethren Church in Dauphin County, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://umarch.lycoming.edu/chronicles/1998/4.ALBRIGHT.pdf
- romans1015.com, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://romans1015.com/united-brethren/#:~:text=Pentecostal%20Characteristics%20of%20the%20Revivals&text=%E2%96%BA%20Unconsciousness%20for%20up%20to,%2C%20dreams%2C%20prophesies%2C%20etc.
- Revival Born in a Prayer Meeting – C.S. Lewis Institute, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/revival-born-in-a-prayer-meeting/
- THE SECOND GREAT AWAKENING AND REFORM IN THE 19TH CENTURY – Constitutional Rights Foundation, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://teachdemocracy.org/images/pdf/the-second-great-awakening.pdf
- The Story of Boehm and Otterbein – Church of the United Brethren in Christ, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://ub.org/about/boehm-otterbein/
- Church of the United Brethren in Christ – Wikipedia, accessed on December 14, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_the_United_Brethren_in_Christ