Unpacking the Mystery of a Move of God in the 1940s
Have you ever heard of the Hebrides Revival? Maybe you’ve come across mentions of it in a sermon, read a line or two in a book, or heard someone say, “We need another Hebrides Revival today.” But what actually happened during this mysterious outpouring of God’s Spirit in a remote part of Scotland? Who was involved? And why does it still stir hearts over 70 years later?
Let’s dive in with some of the most frequently asked questions about this fascinating spiritual awakening.
Where did the Hebrides Revival happen?
The revival took place in the Outer Hebrides, a group of islands off the northwest coast of Scotland—specifically on the Isle of Lewis, in villages like Barvas, Arnol, and Shawbost. It began in 1949 and spread into the early 1950s.
Who was the main minister involved?
The name most associated with the Hebrides Revival is Rev. Duncan Campbell, a fiery Scottish preacher with a deep burden for revival. However, interestingly, the revival began before he even arrived.
Behind the scenes were two elderly sisters, Peggy and Christine Smith, ages 84 and 82—one blind and both unable to attend church regularly. These women prayed fervently for revival, believing God would visit their island.
How did the Revival start?
It began not with a sermon, but with prayer and hunger. A small group of believers began meeting in a barn, seeking God night after night. Eventually, a tangible sense of God’s presence began to descend on the community. People were convicted of sin, sometimes falling to their knees in the middle of the road under the weight of God’s presence—without even hearing a preacher.
When Duncan Campbell arrived in 1949, he was simply stepping into a spiritual fire already burning.
What were the key features of the Revival?
Some of the most remarkable characteristics of the Hebrides Revival included:
- Extraordinary conviction of sin – People would cry out to God for mercy, often in spontaneous gatherings.
- All-night prayer meetings – Some services lasted until 4 or 5 in the morning.
- Conversions without preaching – People came under conviction even walking past churches or waking up in the night.
- Youth and children – Young people were especially touched. Whole groups of teenagers gave their lives to Christ.
- No hype, no show – This was not an event with big lights or production. It was raw, reverent, and full of awe.
Was there any opposition to the Revival?
Yes, as with many revivals, not everyone approved. Some within the established church were skeptical of the emotional nature of the meetings or the unusual manifestations. But many couldn’t deny that lives were being transformed, churches were being filled, and entire villages were coming alive spiritually.
How long did it last?
The most intense phase lasted from 1949 to about 1952, though the effects lingered for much longer. Some say the community was spiritually transformed for decades after.
What can we learn from the Hebrides Revival today?
That’s perhaps the biggest question of all. Here are a few takeaways:
- Revival begins in prayer. Often in secret, often with the unseen faithful.
- It’s not about a personality. God used Duncan Campbell, yes—but it started with two elderly sisters on their knees.
- God honors hunger. People were desperate for God to move, and they were willing to pay the price in prayer and surrender.
- Revival changes lives. It’s not just emotional meetings—it results in lasting transformation of communities.
Final Thoughts
The Hebrides Revival wasn’t flashy. It didn’t make headlines around the world at the time. But it shook the heavens over a group of small villages in Scotland—and it still stirs the heart today.
So the real question is…
Could it happen again?
What would it take?
And are we willing to be the ones who pray, like Peggy and Christine?
