1857 The Fourth Great Awakening
Jeremiah Lanphier
The Fourth Great Awakening (often called the 3rd) was the greatest to date in its extent, effects and lasting impact.
It began slowly in Canada, when 21 were saved, and grew steadily until between 25 and forty were converted each day. Slowly reports of small awakenings began to emerge from various states in America.
The Fourth Great Awakening spreads to USA
Then, in September 1857 Jeremiah Lanphier, a businessman and convert of Finney’s (a decade before), began a noon day prayer meeting on Wednesdays in a New York church.
The small but growing numbers decided to meet daily in early October. Within six months over 10,000 business men were meeting in similar meetings across America; confessing sins, being converted and praying for revival. It was a lay-led movement that harvested a million souls in two years.
In 1858, from February to June, around 50,000 people a week were added to the church – in a nation whose population was only 30,000,000. Across the Atlantic another million were won to Christ by 1865. This was in Britain’s population of 27,000,000. Ulster saw 100,000 converted, Scotland 30,000, Wales 100,000 and England 500,000.
Evangelistic, missionary and philanthropic enterprises blossomed on every hand. Moody and Sankey enjoyed their greatest success. William and Catherine Booth, converted under the ministry of James Caughey, launched the Salvation Army and attracted great crowds to Christ.
Walter and Phoebe Palmer, the American evangelists, saw a remarkable work of the Spirit attend their ministry. Charles Haddon Spurgeon preached to capacity crowds each week, filling the largest halls in London. Hudson Taylor began the China Inland Mission. Gawin Kirkham started the Open Air Mission.
Lord Shaftsbury championed for the cause of the young, the poor and the oppressed. Barnardo founded his famous orphanages. David Livingstone and Mary Slessor propagated missionary work in Africa. Such was the impact of this fourth great awakening.
The revival also swept around the world. Rapid growth was reported in continental Europe, western Russia, Australia, The South Seas, South Africa and India.
Notable Characteristics The Fourth Great Awakening
The 1859 Revival was characterized by several key features:
Prayer: Fervent, united prayer was the driving force behind the movement. Prayer meetings were spontaneous, lay-led, and often interdenominational, breaking down barriers between different Christian groups.
Conviction of Sin: A profound sense of sin and need for repentance swept over individuals and communities.
Public Confessions: People openly confessed their sins and sought forgiveness, both privately and publicly.
Emotional Intensity: Meetings were often charged with emotion, with participants experiencing intense joy, sorrow, and spiritual ecstasy.
Spontaneous Preaching and Testimony: Lay people, including women and young people, were empowered to share their faith and testimonies.
Transatlantic Reach: The revival’s flames soon leaped across the Atlantic, taking root in Ulster, Ireland, in 1859. From there, it spread rapidly throughout the United Kingdom, igniting revivals in Scotland, Wales, and England. Large gatherings filled churches and public halls, with reports of dramatic conversions and changed lives.
Global Impact: The 1859 Revival was not confined to North America and the UK. It extended its reach to continental Europe, Scandinavia, Australia, South Africa, and India, carried by missionaries and ignited by local prayer movements.
A Timeline of The Fourth Great Awakening and its International Reach
North America (1857-1860s)
1857:
September: Jeremiah Lanphier begins prayer meetings in New York City, sparking the revival.
October: Financial panic hits the US, potentially contributing to the spiritual seeking.
1858:
Revival spreads rapidly throughout the Northeast and Midwest, with large prayer meetings and conversions.
Key Figures: Lay leaders in numerous cities and towns, including prominent ministers like Henry Ward Beecher (Brooklyn) and Charles Finney (Oberlin College).
United Kingdom (1859-1860s)
1859:
Spring: Revival crosses the Atlantic, taking root in Ulster, Ireland. Large prayer meetings and conversions are reported.
Summer/Autumn: Revival spreads to Scotland, Wales, and England.
Key Figures: Revival preachers in Ulster (e.g., James McQuilkin) and Scotland (e.g., Horatius Bonar).
1860:
Revival continues in England, with large meetings in London and other cities.
Key Figure: Revivalist Richard Weaver, known for his powerful preaching.
Europe (1860s-1870s)
Scandinavia (1860s)
Revival spreads to Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, with reports of conversions and spiritual renewal.
Key Figure: Swedish preacher Carl Olof Rosenius.
Switzerland (1860s)
Revival takes hold in Geneva and other cities.
Key Figure: Genevan theologian and revivalist Merle D’Aubigné.
France (1860s-1870s
Despite opposition, revival gains ground in some Protestant communities.
Key Figure: Revivalist and pastor Robert McAll.
Netherlands (1860s-1870s)
Revival spreads through Dutch Reformed churches.
Key Figure: Revivalist and theologian Abraham Kuyper.
Germany (1860s-1870s)
Revival influences Pietist movements and some Lutheran churches.
Key Figure: Theologian and revivalist Johann Christoph Blumhardt.
Other Regions (1860s-1880s)
Australia (1860s-1870s)
Revival influences various Protestant denominations.
South Africa (1860s-1870s)
Revival impacts Dutch Reformed churches and missionary efforts.
India (1870s-1880s)
Revival influences missionary work and indigenous Christian communities.
Key Impacts of the Worldwide Revival
Increased Church Membership
Millions of conversions were reported globally.
Social Reform
The revival fuelled social reform movements, addressing issues like poverty, labor conditions, and slavery.
Missionary Expansion
New missionary societies were formed, and thousands of missionaries were sent to the field.
Spiritual Renewal
The revival revitalized churches, fostering prayer, personal holiness, and evangelism.
This chronological account highlights the global reach and impact of the 1859 Revival. It demonstrates the power of the Holy Spirit to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, bringing about widespread spiritual awakening and social transformation.
For further research:
The Fourth Great Awakening (which we call the 3rd)