Chapter 4

SOUTH FIRTH

The "South Firth" fishermen hailed from the fishing towns situated along the north and south coasts of the Firth of Tay. They had a herring season of their own in the winter months, but during the year they followed the herring from the North of Scotland right down to East Anglia.

Just south of the Bass Rock, on which the Scottish Covenanters were imprisoned in terrible conditions during the 16th century, lies the fishing port of Eyemouth. Proudly many of them sailed their boats south for the 1921 season. A goodly number of them were to hear and believe the Gospel of Christ. The impact of this was felt when the converts returned home. These after-effect,s were very much in evidence when Jock Troup and another evangelist returned to the town years later. As the two servants of Christ held an open-air meeting, crowds gathered around. There were some who saw for the first time the man whom God had used to bring many to a knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Between Eyemouth and Edinburgh, on the south side of the Firth of Forth, are the fishing towns of Cockenzie, Port Seton, Musselburgh and Fisherow. The breath of God's Spirit swept across the folks from these places in a tremendous way. At Yarmouth that year was big John J ames Horne of Port Seton. He stood six feet tall, his huge size being evident at the services in the Market Square. He became a personal friend of Jock Troup and was amongst the front liners at any meeting, whether it was inside a church or in the open air. I had the opportunity to meet John James while I was conducting some meetings in Port Seton and enjoyed the fellowship in his home. Abiding results can be seen in Cockenzie and Port Seton today if you visit any of the churches or meeting halls, but especially in the Mission known as "The Fishermen's Bethel. " It was from around this district that a young man got saved during the early 1920' s. He was to be one of Scotland' s unique evangelists, leading many to Christ, a number of whom became missionaries on foreign fields. That man was none other than Charlie Main.

As with other places associated with the sea, Musselburgh and Fisherow have long known the satisfaction and hardship of earning a living from the deep. These towns were to know spiritual success during 1921. Quite a few men were saved and on returning home they set revival fires burning that are still alight today. From this area came Robert Fairnie. This man of God has done a great work for the Lord in the North East of Scotland and latterly in Bristol. No doubt the men who were saved in 1921 had an influence on his life.

Steam drifter entering Anstruther harbour.

(Picture: St. Andrews University)

On the north side of the Firth of Forth there are four lovely small towns each with a long asociation with fishing. A number of men from these places were converted at Yarmouth. Among them was my uncle, Alex "Hughie" Hughes. After being spoken to by God through tragedy in his family, he closed in with God' s offer of mercy during the revival. His consistent Christian life was a constant rebuke to men and women.

Although he did not speak publicly, his life told for Jesus. Hughie was a gentleman for God, faithful to theiast, he knew his anchor gripped the Solid Rock.

An evangelical Congregational Church stands as a testimony for God, showing that men and women knew the blessing of the Lord in 1921. A Brethren Assembly meets in St. Monance with members attending whose parents were saved during the revival.

One Tuesday night in November 1921, a lassie about seven years old came home from the Pittenweem school for her dinner. Her mother sat in a chair crying. Her tears were not of sorrow, but of joy. She had just received a letter from her husband John Hughes telling her that he had been saved the previous weekend at Yarmouth.

That lassie did not get much to eat that day, because her mother was so overwhelmed. Although only young, an impression was left on her heart and mind which she can recall with joy nearly sixty years later. When the fisherfolk returned to Pitenweem they brought back revival blessing with them.

Recently the Scottish Fisheries Museum was opened up in Anstruther. The exhibits show a fascinating history of the fishing industry. "Anster", as it is locally known, had a great page written into the annals of God's Book of Life. A number of souls from this town were converted. The move went on after the fishermen had returned from Yarmouth.

At Cellardyke the meetings were so large during the months of December 1921 and january 1922, that the only convenient place available was the Town Hall. Crowds attended the services which were conducted by local fishermen. Many responded to the forthright preaching of God's word.

Next Chapter

Back to Index