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[b]A Brief History of Revivals in Wales[/b]
[i]by D. Geraint Jones[/i]

Local Revivals 1824-27

In 1824 there was another local revival amongst the Calvinistic Methodists of Cardiganshire. Howel Howells of Trehill commented 'There are wonderful and free outpourings of the Holy Spirit this year on several parts of the cause.' It began at Llangeitho during a sermon of David Evans of Aberaeron on the words 'Why stand ye here all the day idle' (Matt. 20:6). About 200 were added to the church. At Pontrhydfendigaid a new chapel had to be built as a result of 130 seeking membership. It was 1825 before it reached Blaenpenal, but it was considered to be the most powerful the church had experienced there. About this time there was also a powerful stirring in Glynneath, Glamorganshire.

In the following year Robert Jones of Rhoslan reports a revival at Brynmawr on the Lleyn peninsular during the summer. 1826 was also the year that Christmas Evans moved from Anglesey to Caerphilly in Glamorganshire where revival broke out, though it had previously broken out at Beulah, the Baptist chapel in Newbridge Monmouthshire. 'At this time, persons might be seen, every Lord's-day morning, wending their way across the surrounding hills, in all directions, towards the quiet village of Caerphilly, to hear Christmas Evans'. The young people were particularly affected, and the local publicans complained of the decrease in trade. About 140 were added to the church within a few months. Griffith Hughes at Groeswen also seems to have partaken of the blessing.

1827 was a year of much blessing for the Wesleyans of the Dolgellau and Cardiff circuits. Towards the end of the year revival occurred amongst the Congregationalists of Brynmawr, Monmouthshire under the ministry of David Stephenson. It began during a communion service and continued for several years.


The Carmarthenshire Revival 1828-30

About the same time the revival began at Brynmawr, the next major widespread revival began at Caio in Carmarthenshire with the Calvinistic Methodists. At first it did not spread far, but soon many places in Carmarthenshire, and neighbouring Breconshire had caught the fire. In March of 1828 it had reached Cilycwm, from where it spread to Llanwrtyd. The fire blazed at the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel on one Sunday, and spread to the Independents the next.

At the Association of the Independents held at Cwmaman, there was great rejoicing as those who had experienced the revival brought the heavenly fire with them over the Black Mountain. During the Association preaching meetings many were brought to cry out 'What shall I do to be saved?' The fire continued to burn at Cwmaman for at least two years. Often the sound of praise and rejoicing could be heard as people made their way home from the meetings.

Close to 400 were converted at Capel Isaac, among whom were Thomas Rees and William Williams (later of Llandeilo). Both became famous preachers, were both received into membership at Capel Isaac on the same day (with nearly 30 others), and had both been converted as a result of the powerful preaching of David Jones of Gwynfe, one Friday evening in the middle of July. The revival powerfully affected the Calvinistic Methodist chapel at Llanddeusant. It began in early summer, during a prayer meeting, particularly while singing a hymn. The preaching of the word was greatly owned in the following weeks, and about 280 were added to the church.

A few days after the holding of a Calvinistic Methodist Association at Aberavon revival broke out at Morriston, near Swansea. It was November before the revival reached Llansamlet and Swansea. At Mynyddbach Daniel Evans received 650 new members to the Congregational church. The communion services were so numerous they had to be held in the graveyard. On Christmas Day it broke out at Neath and spread to many of the surrounding districts. Almost 2000 were added to the churches of the different denominations of that region.

The following year Trelech and her daughter congregations were greatly blessed. Morgan Jones received 556 converts that year. One Sunday was particularly memorable when he gave the right hand of fellowship to about 130. Merthyr Tydfil and the surrounding area were also greatly affected, all the non-conformist denominations receiving a portion of the blessing.

It was not only the south that was influenced by the revival, several places in North Wales were moved, 'particularly Merionethshire, and some parts of Caernarfonshire and Denbighshire'. At Gwytherin in Denbighshire the movement of the Spirit began in early August of 1828, and by the end of October 80 had been added, and the revival spread to several of the surrounding congregations. At nearby Garnedd it began one Sunday afternoon during the preaching of Cadwaladr Owen. The subsequent meetings were noted for the rejoicing, and 42 were added to the small congregation. At Trefriw 40 were added to the Calvinistic Methodists within 6 months.

Thomas Rees in his History of Protestant Nonconformity in Wales estimated that over 30,000 members were added to the churches of the four nonconformist denominations as a result of this revival. A more conservative estimate would be 20-25 thousand.

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SI Moderator - Greg Gordon