1820s-1830s Lewis Revival

The Isle of Lewis, the largest of the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, experienced a profound religious awakening in the 1820s and 1830s. This revival, characterized by fervent prayer, passionate preaching, and widespread conversions, left an enduring mark on the island’s religious and social landscape. This report explores the history of this remarkable period, exploring its origins, key figures, and lasting impact.

State of Religion Prior to the Revival

Prior to this period of spiritual awakening, religious life on Lewis was often characterized by outward conformity rather than genuine faith ¹. While church attendance, particularly during communion seasons, was common, there was a lack of genuine spiritual engagement and understanding among many. This shift was evident in the communion attendance; while initially most people of a certain age attended communion with little understanding, after a year of the ministry of Rev. Alexander MacLeod, only a small, tearful portion of the old communicants presented themselves ².

Illiteracy and superstition were widespread, hindering the deeper comprehension of biblical truths ³. Some accounts suggest that the revival’s initial stages were driven by itinerant lay ministers and Gaelic language teachers, whose services were sometimes viewed with suspicion by established ministers due to their perceived emotional excesses ³.

Previous Revivals on Lewis

While the 1820-1830s revival is particularly renowned, Lewis had experienced previous periods of spiritual awakening. Before World War I, certain areas of the island witnessed a surge in Christian conversions ¹. This trend continued between the wars, with notable activity in the Ness and Point districts ¹. In 1939, a significant revival began in Carloway and spread throughout the island, resulting in numerous conversions ¹.

This revival was reminiscent of an earlier awakening in the Hebrides in 1949, sparked by two sisters, Peggy and Christine Smith, who were inspired by the verse from Isaiah 44:3: “I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground” ⁴. These earlier revivals demonstrate a history of spiritual fervour on Lewis, setting the stage for the outpouring of the 1820s and 1830s.

Prayers of the Revival

Unfortunately, specific prayers from the Lewis Revival of the 1820-1830s are not extensively documented in the available historical sources. This scarcity of information might be attributed to several factors, such as the focus on oral tradition in the Gaelic culture of the time, the emphasis on spontaneous prayer rather than written forms, or the potential loss of records over the years. However, the revival was undoubtedly characterized by a deep spirit of prayer, with individuals and communities seeking God with fervour and sincerity.

The Spark that Ignited the Revival

The Lewis Revival of the 1820s and 1830s can be traced back to a seemingly simple act of faith. In the village of Barvas in 1822, a young girl, having learned to read in a Gaelic school, read the story of Jesus’ crucifixion to her ailing mother ³. Deeply moved by the narrative, the mother’s weeping prompted the girl to seek help from a neighbour ³.

This neighbour, upon hearing the story, also experienced profound conviction of sin, leading to a chain reaction of repentance and spiritual awakening that spread throughout the village and beyond ³. This event highlights the power of God’s Word to penetrate hearts and ignite spiritual transformation.

The establishment of Gaelic schools in 1811 played a crucial role in preparing the ground for the revival ³. These schools aimed to teach Gaelic speakers to read the Scriptures in their native language, fostering biblical literacy among the people ³. By 1833, there were 15 such schools on Lewis, with the Bible as their sole textbook ³. The impact of these Gaelic schools became evident in a pivotal event that sparked the revival. A visiting ship captain, struck by the prevalence of prayer and religious discussion, remarked that “one hears of religion elsewhere, but one sees it here in everything” ³.

Leaders of the Revival

While the Lewis Revival was characterized by widespread participation and a sense of collective spiritual hunger, certain individuals played significant roles in shaping and guiding the movement.

• Alexander MacLeod: As the minister of the church in Uig, MacLeod’s leadership was instrumental in fostering the revival’s growth ¹. He established prayer meetings and provided spiritual guidance to those seeking deeper faith ³.
• Finlay Munro: An itinerant preacher, Munro’s powerful ministry contributed to the initial awakening in Uig ¹. He challenged the prevailing religious complacency and sparked soul-searching among the people ¹.

• Finlay Cook: In the northern parish of Ness, Cook’s ministry led many to Christ, extending the revival’s reach across the island ¹.

John Morrison: Morrison’s preaching in Harris, the southern part of the island, drew large crowds and resulted in numerous conversions¹. His open-air meeting in Tarbert, attended by 7,000 people, exemplifies the revival’s widespread impact ¹.

• Angus McIver: Another key figure was Angus McIver, also from Uig, who, after his conversion, significantly boosted the movement in the late 1820s by using his role as a teacher with the Gaelic School Society to spread the Gospel in Ardnamurchan ³.

These leaders, through their preaching, teaching, and personal example, helped to shape the course of the Lewis Revival and ensure its lasting legacy.

Churches Involved in the Revival

The Lewis Revival was primarily centred within the established Church of Scotland on the island, but it’s impact transcended denominational boundaries, with various congregations experiencing renewed spiritual fervour and increased participation. The revival’s emphasis on personal experience, individual conversion and spiritual encounters resonated with individuals across various Christian groups on the island, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among believers.

Personal Testimonies

While specific personal testimonies from the 1820-1830s Lewis Revival are limited in the available historical sources, general references offer glimpses into the transformative experiences of individuals. These testimonies include:

• Profound conviction of sin: Individuals would describe a deep awareness of their own shortcomings and need for God’s forgiveness ⁵.

• Experiences of God’s presence: Many would recount encounters with the divine, often accompanied by intense emotions, physical manifestations, or a sense of overwhelming love and joy ⁵.

• Radical life changes: Conversions often led to significant alterations in behaviour, priorities, and relationships, reflecting a newfound commitment to following Christ ⁵.

Manifestations of the Holy Spirit

The Lewis Revival was marked by various manifestations attributed to the Holy Spirit. These included:

• Physical prostrations and trembling: The intensity of religious experiences sometimes led to physical reactions, with individuals falling to the ground or experiencing tremors ³.

• Trances: Some people entered trance-like states, often lasting for extended periods, during which they were reportedly unresponsive to external stimuli ³.

• Visions: Accounts of visions, often depicting scenes of heaven and hell, were common during the revival ³.

• Year of Swoonings: The intensity of these experiences led to 1822 being known as “The year of swoonings,” highlighting the prevalence of physical reactions to spiritual encounters ³.

These manifestations, while sometimes viewed with scepticism, were seen by many as evidence of the Holy Spirit’s powerful work in the lives of individuals and communities.

Immediate and Lasting Results

The Lewis Revival had a profound and lasting impact on the island. In the immediate aftermath, there was a marked increase in religious observance, with people actively seeking God and engaging in prayer and Bible study. The revival also contributed to social reform, as newfound faith inspired individuals to address issues such as poverty, intemperance, and immorality. The revival also had a profound impact on the social fabric of Lewis.

A newfound sense of righteousness and decency permeated the community, leading to positive changes in behaviour and social interactions ⁶. As the revival took hold, superstition, which had previously been prevalent, began to wane, replaced by a growing understanding of biblical truth and a reliance on God’s grace ³.

The revival’s legacy extended beyond the immediate period. It fostered a culture of deep religious devotion on Lewis, which continued to influence generations to come ⁶. The emphasis on biblical literacy, sparked by the Gaelic schools, had a lasting impact on education and spiritual understanding ⁶. This emphasis on scriptural teaching also influenced parenting and education, with parents passing on their newfound faith and knowledge to their children.

This, in turn, led to a renewed awakening in the next generation, demonstrating the long-term impact of the revival’s focus on the Word of God ⁶. The revival also played a role in shaping the island’s identity, solidifying its reputation as a place of strong faith and spiritual heritage.

Number of Converts

While precise figures are difficult to ascertain, the Lewis Revival resulted in a significant number of conversions. In 1828, a crowd of 9,000 people, many of whom had walked long distances, attended the summer communion service in Uig ¹. This gathering, unprecedented in size, reflects the widespread spiritual hunger and the revival’s impact on the island’s population.

Context and Relationship to the Second Great Awakening

The Lewis Revival occurred within the broader context of the Second Great Awakening, a period of religious revivalism that swept through the United States and parts of Europe in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This transatlantic movement emphasized personal conversion, emotional religious experiences, and social reform. While the Lewis Revival had its own unique characteristics and local origins, it shared common themes with the Second Great Awakening, reflecting a broader trend of Christian dedication and spiritual renewal during this era.

Key Takeaways

• The Power of Literacy: The Lewis Revival highlights the crucial role of biblical literacy in fostering spiritual awakening. The Gaelic schools’ emphasis on teaching people to read the Scriptures in their own language laid the foundation for the revival’s impact.

• The Importance of Prayer: The revival was characterized by fervent and persistent prayer, both individual and collective. This emphasis on seeking God’s intervention underscores the vital role of prayer in spiritual renewal.

• The Transformative Power of the Gospel: The simple act of reading the story of Jesus’ crucifixion sparked a chain reaction of repentance and conversion, demonstrating the Gospel’s enduring power to change lives.

These takeaways resonate with the broader themes of the Second Great Awakening, highlighting the emphasis on personal conversion, the role of emotional experience, and the connection between spiritual renewal and social reform.

Conclusion

The Lewis Revival of the 1820s and 1830s reminds us of the transformative power of Christian awakenings. Rooted in biblical literacy, fervent prayer, and passionate preaching, the revival left an enduring legacy on the Isle of Lewis. Its impact extended beyond increased religious observance to encompass social reform and a lasting culture of spiritual devotion. This revival serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God, engaging with His Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in individuals and communities.

Chronological Timeline

 

Year	Event
1811	Establishment of Gaelic schools to promote biblical literacy in the native language.
1822	Revival begins in the village of Barvas with a young girl reading the story of Jesus’ crucifixion to her mother.
1824	Alexander MacLeod becomes minister of the church in Uig and establishes prayer meetings, further fueling the revival.
1828	A crowd of 9,000 attends the summer communion service in Uig, demonstrating the revival’s widespread impact.
1830s	Revival spreads throughout Lewis and Harris, with notable ministries by Finlay Cook in Ness and John Morrison in Harris.
1840	The revival’s influence continues, with lasting effects on religious observance, social reform, and the island’s spiritual culture.

Works cited

1. A Goodly Heritage (48): Revival in the Hebridean Islands | Believer’s Magazine, accessed on December 15, 2024, http://www.believersmagazine.com/bm.php?i=20170104
2. Revival at Uig, Lewis, 1823-1835, accessed on December 15, 2024, https://revival-library.org/histories/1823-1835-revival-at-uig-lewis/
3. 1820-1830s Revival on the Scottish Island of Lewis – BEAUTIFUL …, accessed on December 15, 2024, https://romans1015.com/lewis-revival-1820s/
4. The Story of the Hebrides Revival – Calvary Southbury, accessed on December 15, 2024, https://www.calvarysouthbury.com/hebrides/
5. Duncan Campbell on the Lewis Revival | The Heartbeat of the Remnant – Ephrata Ministries, accessed on December 15, 2024, http://www.ephrataministries.org/remnant-2003-09-duncan-campbell-on-the-Lewis-revival.a5w
6. Features of the Hebrides Revival. – Keir Tayler, accessed on December 15, 2024, https://keirtayler.com/features-of-the-hebrides-revival/