1857 on - Articles

1859 Ulster Revival – Overview

1859 Ulster Revival

Henry Grattan Guiness

The Ulster Revival of 1859 stands as a pivotal event in the religious history of Ireland, leaving an enduring legacy of spiritual fervour and societal transformation. This remarkable period of religious awakening swept through the province of Ulster, impacting not only the lives of countless individuals but also the broader social and cultural landscape. This report delves into the history of the Ulster Revival, exploring its antecedents, key figures, defining characteristics, and lasting impact.

 

 

The Religious Landscape of Pre-Revival Ulster

To understand the significance of the 1859 Revival, it is essential to examine the religious context in which it occurred. In the mid-19th century, Ulster was predominantly Protestant, with a strong Presbyterian presence. However, despite this Christian heritage, a sense of spiritual complacency had settled over many communities1. Some pastors observed a decline in “heart religion” and a drift towards infidelity and liberalism1. This spiritual apathy set the stage for a renewed yearning for a genuine encounter with God.

Adding to this sense of spiritual decline, several ministers of the time painted a “depressing and hopeless picture” of the state of religion. One minister lamented, “I had preached the gospel faithfully, earnestly, and plainly, for eleven years; yet it was not known to me that a single individual had been converted.” 2 Another described his congregation as being in “a most unsatisfactory state; in fact, altogether Laodicean.” 2 These accounts reveal a widespread concern among religious leaders about the lack of genuine faith and spiritual vitality in the years leading up to the revival.

Furthermore, the social context of Ulster played a significant role in shaping the revival’s impact. The Protestant communities of Ulster, primarily of Scottish and English descent, had established a distinct culture characterized by “industrial ability and commercial integrity,” along with “strong religious proclivities.” 3 This cultural backdrop, with its emphasis on both faith and practical living, provided fertile ground for the revival’s message to take root and flourish. The revival restored and reformed the culture for another generation or more1.

The Genesis of the Revival

The seeds of the Ulster Revival were sown in a small prayer meeting in Kells and Connor, County Antrim, in late 18574. Inspired by news of a spiritual awakening in America in 1858, a group of four recent converts, encouraged by their minister, John Hamilton Moore, began meeting regularly for prayer and Bible study4. These young men, James McQuilkin, Jeremiah McNeilly, John Wallace, and Robert Carlisle, dedicated themselves to seeking God’s blessing on their community6. Their fervent prayers and study of the Scriptures laid the groundwork for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that would soon follow7.

It is important to note the influence of the Fulton Street prayer meetings in New York, which began in September 1857, on the genesis of the Ulster Revival8. These prayer meetings, part of a larger transatlantic movement of religious awakening, served as a catalyst for similar prayer gatherings in Ulster and contributed to the growing anticipation of revival.

Key Figures and the Spread of the Revival

While the revival began with laymen, several notable figures emerged as it gained momentum. Henry Grattan Guinness, a renowned preacher and evangelist, played a significant role in spreading the revival’s message throughout Ulster5. His powerful sermons and open-air meetings drew large crowds, contributing to the revival’s widespread impact9. Another influential figure was Brownlow North, a former gambler who experienced a dramatic conversion and became a fervent preacher5. North’s passionate preaching and personal testimony resonated with many, further fueling the revival’s fire5.

The revival spread rapidly, moving from Kells and Connor to neighboring towns and villages2. By March 1859, it had reached Ahoghill and Ballymena, where large crowds gathered for prayer meetings and evangelistic services5. The revival’s impact was felt not only in churches but also in homes, workplaces, and public spaces11. In Belfast, the largest city in Ulster, the revival took hold with remarkable intensity12. Reports described people repenting and worshipping God in the streets, with even “the most notorious sinners, drunks, and prostitutes in the city” being saved11. A map of Ulster would effectively illustrate the geographical spread of the revival and its impact on various communities.

Characteristics of the Ulster Revival

The Ulster Revival was characterized by several distinctive features:

  • Intense Conviction of Sin: A wave of intense conviction of sin swept over individuals across Ulster11. This conviction often manifested in physical prostrations, with people overwhelmed by their spiritual state5.
  • Fervent Prayer: Prayer meetings, both small and large, became a hallmark of the revival11. People gathered in homes, churches, and even factories to pray for God’s mercy and the salvation of souls7.
  • Passionate Preaching: The preaching during the revival was marked by a fervent zeal and a focus on the core truths of the Gospel15. Evangelists and ministers alike proclaimed the message of salvation with boldness and conviction, leading many to faith in Christ15.
  • Transdenominational Unity: The revival transcended denominational boundaries, uniting Christians from various backgrounds in a common pursuit of spiritual renewal11. This unity fostered a sense of shared purpose and contributed to the revival’s widespread impact11.

One of the key insights that emerges from these characteristics is the revival’s emphasis on personal experience and emotional expression. In contrast to the more formal and intellectual religious practices of the time, the Ulster Revival was characterized by a raw, passionate encounter with God. This emphasis on personal experience resonated with many people and contributed to the revival’s widespread appeal11.

Prayers and Practices of the Revival

The Ulster Revival was not solely driven by emotional fervor; it was also deeply rooted in specific prayers and practices. One notable practice was the dedicated study of the Word of God. Believers committed themselves to understanding the Scriptures, recognizing their vital role in spiritual growth and revival7. This emphasis on biblical literacy provided a solid foundation for the revival’s message and ensured that it was grounded in the truths of the Christian faith.

Another significant practice was the fervent and persistent prayer for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Believers gathered in small groups and large meetings, dedicating themselves to seeking God’s intervention in their lives and communities7. This emphasis on prayer reflected a deep understanding of the dependence on God’s power for true spiritual awakening.

The revival also emphasized the practice of calling upon the name of the Lord for salvation. This simple yet profound act of faith, rooted in the biblical promise that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21), became a central theme of the revival’s message1.

Personal Testimonies and Accounts

Numerous personal testimonies and accounts emerged from the Ulster Revival, offering glimpses into the transformative power of this spiritual awakening. One account describes a clergyman’s visit to a children’s prayer meeting in Belfast, where he witnessed the children’s deep faith and fervent prayers for God’s work in their lives16. Another testimony comes from an elderly man who had been a notorious drunkard but experienced a profound conversion during the revival3. He shared his story with a gathering of people, declaring, “Gentlemen, I appear before you this day as a vile sinner…but gentlemen, I have seen Jesus!” 3 These personal accounts provide compelling evidence of the revival’s impact on individuals from all walks of life.

Immediate and Lasting Results

The Ulster Revival had a profound and lasting impact on the religious and social landscape of Ireland. An estimated 100,000 people were converted during the revival, leading to a significant increase in church attendance and religious activity5. Churches were filled to capacity, and many had to expand their buildings to accommodate the influx of new believers1.

The revival also had a notable impact on social morality. Reports indicated a decline in crime, with some areas experiencing a complete absence of criminal activity8. Alcoholism decreased, and families were strengthened as people turned to faith and embraced Christian values1.

One of the key insights that emerges from these results is the connection between spiritual renewal and social reform. The revival’s impact on crime and alcohol consumption suggests that a genuine encounter with God can lead to positive changes in behavior and contribute to a more just and harmonious society8.

The revival’s influence extended beyond Ulster, spreading to other parts of the United Kingdom and even to North America and Australia10. It also reached Canada, Scandinavia, and other parts of Europe, as well as settler communities in southern Africa and India10.

This widespread impact highlights the contagious nature of genuine revival and its potential to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. The revival sparked a renewed interest in evangelism and missions, leading to the establishment of new churches and the expansion of Christian outreach efforts11.

Among the lasting results of the revival was the establishment of Kells Presbyterian Church and the local Gospel Hall17. These institutions served as enduring testaments to the revival’s impact on the religious landscape of Ulster, providing centers for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth for generations to come.

Opposition and Controversies

While the Ulster Revival was widely embraced, it also faced opposition from some quarters, particularly within the Presbyterian Church. Some Presbyterians found certain aspects of the revival troubling, questioning the emotional excesses and the emphasis on personal experience18.

This opposition highlights the complexities of religious revival and the challenges that can arise when traditional religious practices are challenged by new forms of spiritual expression.

 

Timeline of the Ulster Revival

Date Event Source
Spring 1855 A young man begins a prayer meeting in his home, sparking a growing emphasis on prayer among believers in Ulster. 1
Late 1857 Four recent converts in Kells and Connor begin meeting for prayer and Bible study, inspired by news of the American revival. 4
January 1, 1858 The first conversion occurs as a direct result of the prayer meeting in Kells and Connor. 5
Spring 1859 Sixteen prayer meetings are held in the parish of Connor. 5
March 14, 1859 A significant outpouring of the Holy Spirit occurs at a thanksgiving service in Ahoghill Presbyterian Church. 8
May 1859 The revival reaches Belfast, impacting the city with widespread conversions and religious fervor. 12
June 1859 The revival spreads throughout Ulster, transforming both rural and urban communities. 20
1859-1860 The revival’s impact is felt across the United Kingdom, with increased church attendance, conversions, and social reforms. 8
By 1860 Crime rates decrease significantly in Ulster, with some areas reporting no criminal activity. 8
Following decades The Ulster Revival’s legacy continues to influence religious life in Northern Ireland and beyond. 21

Beneficial Takeaways from the Ulster Revival

The Ulster Revival offers several valuable lessons for contemporary Christians:

  • The Power of Prayer: The revival underscores the importance of persistent, fervent prayer in seeking God’s intervention and spiritual awakening5.
  • The Centrality of the Gospel: The revival’s emphasis on the core truths of the Gospel highlights the transformative power of God’s Word and the message of salvation15.
  • The Importance of Lay Involvement: The revival demonstrates the vital role of lay people in spreading the Gospel and fostering spiritual renewal within their communities5.
  • The Potential for Unity: The revival’s transdenominational character serves as a reminder of the unifying power of faith and the potential for Christians to work together for the advancement of God’s Kingdom10.

Conclusion

The Ulster Revival of 1859 stands as a remarkable testament to the transformative power of religious awakening. It was a time of intense spiritual fervor, widespread conversions, and profound social change. The revival’s legacy continues to shape the religious landscape of Northern Ireland, serving as a reminder of the potential for God to move mightily in individuals and communities.

By studying the history and characteristics of this revival, contemporary Christians can glean valuable insights for their own spiritual journeys and for the pursuit of revival in their own time.

The Ulster Revival holds broader historical significance as a major contributor to the development of evangelicalism in Ireland. Its emphasis on personal experience, emotional expression, and the importance of lay involvement shaped the course of Protestant Christianity in the region.

The revival’s impact on social morality and its contribution to a more just and harmonious society also demonstrate the potential for religious movements to bring about positive social change.

Furthermore, the Ulster Revival played a crucial role in shaping the religious identity of Northern Ireland. The revival’s legacy of fervent faith and evangelical zeal continues to influence religious life in the region, contributing to its distinct character within the broader context of the United Kingdom.

The Ulster Revival serves as a powerful example of how religious awakenings can leave an enduring mark on individuals, communities, and even nations.

 

Works cited

  1. The Ulster Revival, 1859 – Landmark Events, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://landmarkevents.org/the-ulster-revival-1859/
  1. The 1859 Ulster (N. Ireland) Revival | Made Like Christ, accessed on December 17, 2024, http://madelikechrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ulster-revival-doc.pdf
  1. The Ulster Revival 1859, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://revival-library.org/histories/1859-the-ulster-revival/
  1. banneroftruth.org, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://banneroftruth.org/us/resources/articles/2009/the-ulster-awakening-of-1859/#:~:text=The%20movement%20began%20in%20Co,the%20moribund%20churches%20in%20Ireland.
  1. 1859 Ulster revival – Wikipedia, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1859_Ulster_revival
  1. Revival in N Ireland 1859 – UK Wells, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://ukwells.org/revivalists/revival-in-n-ireland-1859
  1. The Ulster Revival of 1859 – LIVINGSTONE FELLOWSHIP, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://www.livingstonefellowship.co.za/reformation–revival/the-ulster-revival-of-1859
  1. 1859 Ulster Revival, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://revival-library.org/histories/1859-ulster-revival/
  1. Grattan Guinness, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://www.1859.org.uk/the-people-god-used/grattan-guinness
  1. The Ulster Revival of 1859: Causes, Controversies and Consequences | The Journal of Ecclesiastical History | Cambridge Core, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-ecclesiastical-history/article/ulster-revival-of-1859-causes-controversies-and-consequences/0EFD1330A23CB823A2614CEA9CCEB16F
  1. 1859 Ulster, Ireland Revival – BEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://romans1015.com/1859-ulster-revival/
  1. the Ulster Revival of 1859 – Ultimate Documentary – YouTube, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UE-OlcKOZ0w&pp=ygUPI2lyZWxhbmRyZXZpdmFs
  1. Ultimate Documentary – the Ulster Revival of 1859 – YouTube, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE-OlcKOZ0w
  1. The Year of Grace, the 1859 Revival in Ulster – Olde Paths, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://oldepaths.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/1859.pdf
  1. The 1859 Revival – Zion Christian Ministry, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://www.zionchristianministry.com/publications/books-by-shawn/the-1859-revival/
  1. God’s Presence in a Children’s Prayer Meeting: an Account from the Ulster Revival of 1859 | Mining for Gold, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://makinghistorynow.wordpress.com/2022/01/25/children-hungry-for-god-an-account-from-the-ulster-revival-of-1859/
  1. 1859 Revival – Connor Presbyterian Church, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://connorpresbyterianchurch.org/1859-revival/
  1. The 1859 revival and its enemies: opposition to religious revivalism within Ulster Presbyterianism | Irish Historical Studies – Cambridge University Press & Assessment, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/irish-historical-studies/article/1859-revival-and-its-enemies-opposition-to-religious-revivalism-within-ulster-presbyterianism/CE32152A3071C1241531D6F6994ACA0D
  1. The Beginning of the 1859 Revival in Ulster – Banner of Truth, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://banneroftruth.org/us/resources/articles/2009/the-beginning-of-the-1859-revival-in-ulster/
  1. The Ulster Awakening of 1859 – Banner of Truth USA, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://banneroftruth.org/us/resources/articles/2009/the-ulster-awakening-of-1859/
    1. TIMELINE – REVIVAL PRAYER ARMY, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://revivalprayerarmy.co.uk/timeline/