Mention ‘revival in Wales’ and most people immediately think of the Welsh revival of 1904 and the evangelist long credited for fronting it – Evan Roberts. But this would be to completely overlook that Celtic nation’s longstanding legacy of spiritual revivals prior to the outburst of religious enthusiasm that marked 1904-05.

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Thankfully, that rich and diverse heritage is ably brought to the fore in this exciting new video documentary; the creation of young Welsh film director Dan Pugh, who has several previous Christian videos to his name.

It’s a two hour+ production, and features breathtaking aerial and on-the-ground filming at the sites of historic spiritual awakenings across the length and breadth of Wales. Such scenes are interspersed with short interviews with a host of authorities on various aspects of Welsh revivalism, including John Aaron, Kevin Adams, Eryl Davies and Geoff Thomas.

The script for the documentary was thoughtfully written by Jonathan Thomas, Pastor of Cornerstone Church Abergavenny. It is Thomas, too, who narrates the film, coming over with warmth and genuine enthusiasm throughout.

Waves of revival power

The video is presented in ten ‘chapters’, beginning with the school ministry begun by Griffith Jones, regarded as ‘The Morning Star’ of Welsh revivalism. Chapter 2 takes in the great awakening of the mid-1700s, with evangelical stalwarts like Howell Harris and Daniel Rowland (both converted in 1735).

It’s a two hour+ production, and features breathtaking aerial and on-the-ground filming at the sites of historic spiritual awakenings across the length and breadth of Wales.

This is closely followed by a study of the life and ministry of ‘The Sweet Singer’, William Williams of Pantycelyn, a contemporary of Harris and Rowland, and regarded as Wales's premier hymn-writer, having composed world-famed hymns like ‘Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah’. Williams was also a minister and evangelist, and witnessed notable revival within the parish he served.

Chapters 4 and 5 cover the ‘Golden age of preaching’ of the decades at either side of 1800; notably, the remarkable ministries of men like Thomas Charles of Bala in north Wales, Baptist evangelist Christmas Evans; and John Elias, who is believed to have preached to a crowd of 10,000 people.

Coming within this same period, the Beddgelert revival (1817-22) is the theme of the following chapter, which movement extended to a number of localities in north-west Wales. Then comes a focus on the 1859 Revival – an international awakening, and one of the most extensive in Welsh history, with local leaders like Humphrey Jones and Dafydd Morgan.

1904 and beyond

The Forward Movement of 1890 onwards, headed by John Pugh, is considered in chapter 8. A notable leader within this movement was Seth Joshua, who became a forerunner of the world famous 1904-05 revival, the theme of discussion in chapter 9.

Interestingly, the documentary somewhat downplays the role of Evan Roberts, suggesting he was a product of the revival rather than the one who initiated it ...

Interestingly, the documentary somewhat downplays the role of Evan Roberts, suggesting he was a product of the revival rather than the one who initiated it; that his unorthodox manner of leading meetings wasn’t always conducive to the overall movement; and noting that Evans played little part in the revival that spread across much of north Wales in this exciting era.

The film closes by lamenting the dearth of evangelical revival in Wales in the decades subsequent to 1904, though noting there have been genuine stirrings here and there – such as during Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ ministry in Sandfields, Aberavon in the 1920s.

Immersive experience

The video comes as a generous 3-DVD set. The second disc provides more in-depth interviews and rare recordings of choral hymn singing (in Welsh) of popular revival hymns. Disc 3 offers a dozen or so intriguing behind-the-scenes vlogs, varying from 3 to 15 minutes in length, providing additional interviews, and insights into the production process, allowing viewers a glimpse into the dedication (and mini-adventures) that accompanied the making of this film.

I confess, I was rivetted throughout the 2-hour-plus viewing, and found the presentation highly informative. In particular, my knowledge of the geography of the many revivals that have graced Wales has increased significantly.

In particular, my knowledge of the geography of the many revivals that have graced Wales has increased significantly.

As something of a revival aficionado myself, I was perhaps hoping that I might be introduced to one or two lesser-known localised revivals occurring in some part of Wales that I hadn’t come across in my own research before. But this was purely a personal wish; it’s understandable and quite proper that ‘Welsh Awakenings’ should tend to stick to the country’s most prominent movements.

And in that, it does the task exceedingly well. It’s a masterful production, thoroughly absorbing from start to finish. Appropriate both for personal viewing, as in my case, or for a group audience – such as, to a house-group or to a whole congregation.

For those, like myself, who long to see another move of God’s Spirit in our midst, this insightful and spiritually edifying video truly sets the heart a burning …

‘Welsh Awakenings’ (3 x DVD) is available from Pugh Productions for £23.99, or in digital (streaming) form for £16.07. Watch trailer here.