Floods upon the Dry Ground
by
Jackie Ritchie
Index
Introduction
Chapter One Fisherfolk
Chapter Two God’s Instruments
Chapter Three
Chapter Four South Firth
Chapter Five Whinnyfold
Chapter Six Peterhead
Chapter Eight Fraserburgh
Chapter Nine Gamrie
Chapter Ten Cullen, Portknockie & Findochty
Chapter Eleven Burghead and Hopeman
Chapter Twelve Wick
Chapter Thirteen Thurso
Chapter Fourteen Portsoy
Chapter Fifteen Jock Troup
Chapter Sixteen Report of Revival by William Leed
Chapter Seventeen Newsreports
Floods upon the Dry Ground
God working among fisherfolk
‘I will pour water upon Him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed and My blessing upon thine offspring.’ Isaiah 44:3
Jackie Ritchie
Published 1983 by Peterhead Offset Printers.
Introduction
The 1921 spiritual awakening amongst the fisherfolk of
Little has been left in record about this move of God, so after great conviction of heart I felt such a record should be left as ‘a remembrance’, just as the stones were left for a testimony for future generations in Joshua’s day to mark the opening of the Jordan for the Children of Israel, as told in Joshua chapter 4 verse 6.
This spiritual awakening has a special place in my heart because it was then that both my parents were converted, which meant that I had one of the greatest privileges anyone can ever have, that of being brought up in a Christian home.
As I have traveled the length of
It has been my purpose to keep this account within a six month period, September 1921 to February 1922, although it was felt that I should include the Portsoy revival of 1923 which had a direct link with the move of God in 1921.
In compiling such an account of this vital period in the history of evenagelism it has not been possible for me to mention everyone who was involved.
As a young Christian I used to listen spellbound to my parents recounting events which took place during the 1921 revival. This created a deep impression on my mind for to hear my late father tell in the only way he could of how he was saved in the engine room of a herring-drifter eight miles from the Haisboro’ lightship was something I shall never forget.
When God moved, He was His own publicity agent, so when it was ‘noised abroad’ people came from far and near to hear the wonders of a God Who proved that He was still on the throne.
We trust as you read this little book, the events described within have been authenticated by the witnesses involved, your heart will be gripped, and you will be led led to cry out, ‘Do it again Lord.’
Once more Lord,
Once more Lord
As in the days of
yore,
On this dear land Thy
Spirit pour
Set
Jackie Ritchie (1983)
Chapter 1
FISHERFOLK
Fisherfolk have always been a unique breed of people. Living constantly in the shadow of a tragedy, a wife or a mother as she bids farewell to her loved ones leaving for a fishing trip has the secret fear that she may never see them again. The fatality rate is very high in comparison with other industries.
Around the beginning of the century, the fishermen usually lived in parts of their towns near the seafront. Houses were made of granite and often had wooden floors. In the living room would be the range-fire with a stool extending across the whole front of the range. Built into one wall would be the "Box-bed", which was a bed with three sides covered in, hence the name. This arrangement made the resting place warm and comfortable. At the rear of the dwelling was the part which contained the wash-tub and wringer. Nets were often mended in the garret upstairs or in some cases in an outhouse. In fine days during the summer, mending would be done outside.
Some of the fishermen used lines to catch fish. These lines were baited with mussels which were gathered from the seashore at a place known as the scaup. This was mainly the task of the females, while the male members went to sea. Whenever they reached a suitable age, the females would learn to mend nets, go to the scaup for mussels, to sheel and bait the lines.
The staple diet of fishermen was plain foods, consisting of porridge and soups, with vegetable broth a speciality. Saturday dinner was salt herring and tattie time. The herring would be cured in a small barrel at the summer season with another barrel cured at the East Anglian fishing. Also on their menu would be dried fish, either ling or tusk. These fish would be cleaned, split down the front, salted and dried on the rocks.
In some cases church attendance was regular, each family going to their respective church. Every household had its own seat in the place of worship and parents would really feel proud going to church as a whole family. For church the men would wear dark navy suits, while the women wore dresses down to the calves of their legs. After the service, especially during the summer, the family would go for a short walk, but whenever they arrived home their Sunday clothes were exchanged for more casual dress. The Sunday clothes were also the attire worn at funerals, which were occasions of great mourning. When a disaster took place at sea, it would be a time of deep sorrow, whole communities lamented the loss of an individual or an entire crew.
Weddings amongst fisherfolk were times of rejoicing. In the earlier part of this century, a young fisherman usually chose for his bride a lass from a 'fisher' family, knowing that she would have a first-hand idea of the hardships he faced. Another reason being that she would have learned to mend nets, a great asset to any fisherman who owned gear.
Sea-going men wore thick underwear, often knitted at home. Their trousers would be made of a strong material, which gave them the name of "Hairback Troosers". The home knitted "Faroe
Jersies" were famous and kept them warm in low temperatures. Oilskins which stretched down to the knees had high necks. On every head was perched the well known "Sou-wester", which had
a small peak at the front and a longer one at the back. Sea boots to the thighs were essential. Women when gutting the herring wore an oilskin frock known as a "Quite", this reached almost to the ankles. Rubber boots were supplied by the employer who was a curer. The head was covered by a scarf. Each of the fingers would have "Cloots" tied around it for protection from the sharp knives used to gut. These women worked at an astonishing speed.
A herring drifter crew consisted of 9 or 10 men including skipper-mate, five deckhands, cook and two engineers known as the "black squad". Life on deck was very hard. Seventy or eighty nets had to be pulled in all kinds of weather. It would be very difficult to get the nets a board if the wind changed direction after the nets were laid. When the nets were on board, if the catch was reasonable, the nets had to be "red up" that is cleaned. This was a task that was performed with extreme caution, as it was undertaken when the drifter was steaming at top speed towards port in order to obtain the highest price for the fish. Since the deck crew were paid on a share basis, every minute counted in getting the catch ready for sale. In charge of the engine room was the "driver" who kept the steam engine going full speed. The fireman was kept very busy stoking the boiler with coal. During hauling operations, if the catch was good, the engineer could "scum" the herring that dropped out of the nets. In doing so he earned what was known as "stoker", which was shared between himself, the fireman and the cook. The fireman also took his turn out of the engine room during the time the boat was fishing. His task was to coil the leader rope on to which the nets were tied. This was a very monotonous job, lasting hours on end and it took place in a small locker room in the fore part of the vessel. Cooking for nine or ten men was no easy task. As the nets were hauled in the cook's job was to pull in the "sol-rope" which was the lower part of the net. After the nets were aboard the crew had to be fed. Every second morning he would clean three dozen fresh herring and fry them for breakfast. Cooking was done in the galley on a coal-fired stove and space was limited. Three of the crew members were paid a weekly wage. The engineer received around £1 10s (£1.50), the fireman around £1 5s (£1.25) and the same for the cook. On top of this was the sum received for the herring mentioned before which provided these three men with "stoker".
The 1914-18 war had just finished and men were coming home to their ordinary way of life. Fishermen were returning from the Royal Naval Reserve Patrol to take up their work which had been interrupted by the call to arms.
Steam drifters were replacing the
sailing boats, some of which had been fitted with engines. Mechanical
propulsion brought increased mobility and men travelled long distances
following the herring around
For a few months during the first
part of the year the most frequented port was Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis,
off the west coast of
to gut and pack the lovely large fish. There was also a base at Stronsay in Orkney. The months of June till September saw the fish move to an area which could be reached by boats from
Wick, the
It was among the fisher-folk living and working in such conditions and circumstances that God moved in power during the later months of 1921.
Chapter 2
GOD'S INSTRUMENTS
This was a time of spiritual
declension. Yet in the mending lofts, on the boats and along the quays there
were those who had a hunger for God. Days and nights were spent in prayer
before the Throne of Grace. God had moved upon the hearts of these people who
had little education and whose material means were limited, but who were
"farben" with Him. They knew the way into God's presence and took
time to wait upon the Lord. In a few years time it was proved that, 'They that
wait upon the Lord shall mount up with wings as eagles'. (Isaiah 40 v 31) These
men 'whose hearts the Lord had touched', had received a vision and were wining
to wait upon God until the vision became a reality. Tremendous things had already taken place a
few years previous when ‘times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord’
were experienced in
Men were being prepared for the
coming days. One of these was the Rev. A. Douglas Brown, a Baptist minister
from
As he ministered to his
congregation week after week, this shy man, although he had an experience of
salvation, remained aloof from his people.
One day he received a new touch from God. He left his pulpit, came down
and walked among his congregation. Everyone received a handshake and when he
confessed his lack of concern, tears of repentance and rejoicing followed. What
a day it was when amidst all the ritual, God broke a man at His feet.
It was in February 1921 that
Douglas Brown came into that great experience and fully surrendered his life
to God. On the last Sunday of February 1921, ninety six people came forward
for Christ in the evening service at his church. Within four days he found
himself in
Douglas Brown was to be one of the key instruments in the hand of God when He moved later that year among the fisher-folks. How wonderful to realise that God's methods are men.
Away at the other end of
He took David to defeat the enemies
of
Jock Troup, whose name was to become
famous in many places in the days to come, was born in Morayshire in 1896. He
came with his parents to
When Jock left school he went to train as a "cooper" with the firm of Fleet in their curing yard on the Pulteney side of Wick. This type of work was very hard and required long hours. Whenever the young apprentice was free he began to pursue pleasure. At work he became a very skilled cooper.
War clouds were gathering over
When ashore, Jock attended Gospel meetings on a Sunday night in Dublin Y.M.C.A. where a Mr. & Mrs. West were in charge who were keen soul winners for Jesus. One Sunday night after Mr. West preached Jock said, "I think I'll get converted." Although this was spoken in a light manner, the prayers 'of some friends in Wick were being answered.
The old fashioned conviction of sin was heavy upon Jock. He stopped swearing, smoking and tried to turn over a new leaf. During the long days on patrol he was restless, his darkened soul could find no peace, so he made up his mind to go and see Mrs. West when he got ashore. By this time the conviction of sin was so heavy that he was afraid to sleep lest he wake up in hell. True to his resolve, when his patrol was finished, he went to see Mrs. West, .who dealt with him from the Word of God. This seeking soul could not grasp the truth of free salvation. While he made his way back to the ship the Devil told him that he was one of the damned. Instead of going to the cabin, Jock went into the wheelhouse and prayed to God for salvation. Immediately the transaction took place and he found "A Saviour, Christ the Lord". God had got His man who was to be "a sharp instrument having teeth" in the days to come.
Jock took his stand for Christ right away. After the incident in the wheelhouse he went to the cabin where the crew were playing cards and boldly testified to salvation. Some of the crew mocked, but the One Who had saved him, stood by him. That night he went across to another ship called the "Sparkling Star" which was on the same patrol. A stalwart for Christ named Andy Duthie was her skipper and he was asleep. The new convert woke him and told what had happened. This wise Christian replied, "Son, you've made the greatest and finest decision anyone can make. You have a friend in me always."
Wherever he went the transformed man testified and sweetly sang the "Songs of Zion".
In 1919 Jock returned to his trade in Wick. As he made barrels for the herring industry, the locals realised that a great change had come into his life. He lived in the reality of 2 Corinthians
chapter 5, verse 11, "If any man be in Christ, be is a new creature: old things are passed away: behold, all things are become new". Jock attached himself to the Salvation Army and bore a bright testimony for God in Wick.
While in
"Thy Holy Spirit, Lord alone,
Can deeper love inspire,
His power alone within my soul,
Has lit the sacred fire".
From Thurso on the
A Welshman called Pastor Fred Clarke came to conduct a series of evangelistic meetings in the winter months of 1919. These services were held in the Cairnbulg Gospel Hall, known locally as the "Bulgar Hall", for a fortnight. God blessed His word and about a dozen souls professed salvation. Converted at that time was a young fisher lassie whom God was to use during the "times of refreshing" in 1921. Later she would join the Faith Mission and sit under the ministry of John George Govan, its founder. She was an old woman when I met her and she told me of how the young converts, when encouraged to pray by Pastor Clarke, prayed for days and nights. This continued for months, even when Pastor Clarke had left. These requests were not to go unheard, for God was going to answer the cries of His people, who sought Him continually.
Pastor Clarke, along with Mr.
George Bell, who was a Scotsman, returned in the autumn of 1921 to the same
"Bulgar Hall". 'On this visit to Cairnbulg, these servants of Christ
laboured with no visible results. The evangelists decided it was time to move
on to fresh pastures. On the Sunday night in October 1921 when the meetings
were supposed to finish, Jimmy "Denley" Ritchie came to Pastor Clarke
and said, "Pastor, God has told me that blessing is going to break out
here. You cannot leave." The villages around Fraserburgh were to feel the
impact of God's Spirit from that night on. Mr. Clarke and Mr. Bell stayed among
these villages for four months. Conversions were most evident amongst the 16 to
18 years age group. Young folk who attended the dance hall which was next to
the Gospel hall came to disturb the meeting. One night Pastor Clarke stated.
"The Devil's agents are in our midst tonight, but we are claiming them for
Jesus." So many young' folk were saved the dance hatl had to close. Many
men and women had left Cairnbulg for the East Anglian fishing season when God
started to move. Telegrams were sent to
Peterhead also had its characters
who were firebrands for Christ. One of these was "Petrie Shonie"
Strachan. Saved during the year of the Welsh Revival in 1904, Petrie became a
great witness and soul winner. Constantly called at any hour of the day or
night to lead the sick and dying to Christ, this godly soul was a man who never
believed in idle talk. During the 1914-18 war when in the Navy at
Petrie got up and sang the hymn, "Take the Name of Jesus with you, child of sorrow and of woe". Then he preached and at the end of the service fifteen men professed salvation. He became a soldier in the Salvation Army. On one occasion the officer in charge took ill and Petrie took the service and preached on baptism by immersion even although he was not baptized himself. Later he went to the Salvation Army officer and explained how he became convicted about baptism. Soon after this he was baptized in obedience to the command of Christ. In the Army meetings on Sunday afternoons his testimony would be a real inspiration. Some of those present recounted how he would stand in the passage with his hands raised to heaven and sing, "Come hame, come hame, you're welcome noo, your faults will ne'er be seen".
His wife was baptized at the mouth of the River Ugie near Peterhead in the month of December when the snow was thick on the ground. Petrie was a soldier for Christ right to the end. Many bore testimony to the influence of Christ in their lives through that humble servant.
Another warrior was "Black Bill's Robbie". Converted in the "bush rope" hole of a fishing boat, he had a marvellous testimony for Christ. This rugged character once jumped off Peterhead breakwater in a raging storm in an attempt to rescue a man who had been washed into the water. He was fearless in his attempts to win the lost souls of men and women for Christ. Before he was converted he could neither read nor write and Petrie Shonie's wife taught him to do just that. He got a notebook and began to write all his experiences in it. As he gave his testimony he would hold up his notebook and
say, "This book contains the story of my life since I got saved." His favourite song when giving his testimony in the Salvation Army meetings on Sunday afternoon was,
"Lay by your old compass,
T'will do you no good,
It will never direct you the right wasy to God,
Mind your helm brother sailor,
And don't fall asleep,
Watch and pray night and day lest you sink in the deep".
Andy Duthie was another stalwart for the Cross. He bore a bright testimony for Christ. As an old fashioned Methodist he was a great student of the teachings of John Wesley. His favourite hymn was "And can it be that I should gain, an interest in the Saviour's blood". The lines which echoed his experience on conversion were,
"My
chains fell off,
My
heart was free,
I
rose, went forth
And followed Thee".
When he quoted these words a ring of sincerity flowed from his lips. It was to this brother that Jock Troup came in order to tell him that he had got saved. Andy proved true to his word and remained a friend of the cooper-evangelist until he went home to his reward.
It was thrilling to hear him tell
about the incident aboard the Sparkling Star that night in
These men and others would meet for
"Knee Drill" at
In the autumn of 1921 a missionary
from
A young fisherman who later became
a prominent businessman was one of the three saved that night. He went into
local council work where he took a stand for Christian principles. The third
was a man who suffered a serious injury during the war. As Mr. Marshall could
only stay in Peterhead for a fortnight, Mr. David Walker of
In the extreme north of Scotland Wick became a haven for many fishermen during the herring season. Like so many other ports, Wick shared in the spiritual dearth that abounded after the 1914-18 war, yet when the herring fleets gathered, and Christians joined in fellowship, Wick was well able to put to the forefront some godly men.
One of these soldiers of Christ was Billie Stewart who was saved before the 1914-18 war. He knew the protection of God while on a naval patrol off Shetland during the war years. His ship the 'Adequate' was sunk but the entire crew was rescued. As a Salvationist he proudly stood for the "Blood and Fire", and was a great asset during the revival.
The
Chapter 3
The 1921 summer herring fishing was
not very successful so eyes and minds were turned towards the season in
In the Shetland Isles, Isle of
Lewis, Caithness, along the Moray Coast, Banffshire fishing villages,
Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Aberdeen, the East Neuk towns of Anstruther, St.
Monance, Musselburgh, Port Seaton, Eyemouth and even from Southern Ireland,
women would be packing their chests to move to East Anglia. Soon to these women
places like the Deans,
It was a season of gales and herring were scarce. Many boats failed to meet their expenses. Some braved the storms and had their nets torn. Others lay at their nets for days, waiting until the weather improved.
At this time the Rev. A. Douglas
Brown was conducting meetings around
How wonderful is God’s clock, it is
neither fast nor slow. Just as the Spirit of God fell upon the company gathered
on the day of Pentecost, so God chose to move in salvation blessing when men
and women came from many parts of
Old friends met together at
weekends. The majority sought worldly entertainment. God’s children met
together in fellowship and drank at the wellsprings of grace. In
With a burning passion for souls
and a life filled with the Holy Spirit, Jock Troup accompanied by a few
friends, started to have open-air meetings at the Plain Stone (Market Place),
when the stalls had closed around
''It's altered now,
It's altered now,
The devil once had me,
But Jesus ransomed me,
It's altered now."
When the Holy Spirit took control,
scores of hardened fishermen and fisherlassies were gripped with the fear of
God. They knelt at the Yarmouth Cross and their burdens were lifted because of
We may question such happenings,
but similar events occurred when Jonathan Edwards preached in
Services were also held in the
"Oh
tender and sweet was the Master's voice,
As
He lovingly called to thee,
Come
over the line, it is only a step,
I
am waiting my child for thee."
On the Monday morning work carried
on as usual. Jock returned to his coopering, his friends to their fishing, but
by no means was the blessing of God confined to meetings. On the Denes where
most of the curing yards were and across the river at Gorleston in the yards
there, the songs of
Men were getting saved at sea aboard the herring boats. As they steamed to the fishing grounds by the Knoll Lightship and the Haisboro’ Lightship, unsaved crewmen would be led to Christ by new converts. The nets were laid in the sea and as the drifters lay with their heads into the wind, big rough fishermen, who until now knew no fear, cried out in terror of being lost in hell. Engineers in the bowels of the ships looking after the coal-fired boilers were reminded of the fire of hell and the lost eternity which awaits the ungodly. They cried to God for help and found refuge in Christ. During hauling operations which took at least four hours and even sometime up to ten hours when pulling eighty nets, there were tremendous times of blessing. Many were saved as the nets were being hauled aboard. The soul concerned would just let the net go, fall on his knees and cry for salvation. What days!
Telegrams brought home news of the
spiritual awakening to the ports of
During the time when a
BK for the Eyemouth boats,
KY for the
Drifters from the North East of Scotland had
PD for Peterhead,
FR for Fraserburgh,
BF for Banffshire towns,
BCK for Buckie,
INS for Lossiemouth, Hopeman, Burghead and Avoch,
and finally WK for Wick.
At the peak of the season there
would be well over 700 boats based at
On a smaller scale the events at
Jock Troup, while in the midst of a
spirital revival, heard God speak, and had a vision. What he saw was a man praying far north in
Fraserburgh. This man was asking the Lord to send the evangelist He was using
in
Meanwhile in
As the season drew to a close,
fishermen prepared for the voyage to their home ports. Nets were made up into
individual bundles, spare and damaged nets were taken aboard from the place of
storage. With the anticipation of reunion, courses were set for the North.
Through the Cockle Gate, past, the Haisboro' Lightship, past the Long stones
where Grace Darling became a heroine, the drifters would steam. As the armada
sailed north the numbers would decrease rapidly. Once Peterhead was passed,
those sailing for Wick left the others to alter course to sail up the
What amazing stories these men had
to tell. Sins which had haunted them for
years were blotted out like a thick cloud and cast into the
Those who worked ashore would be
later in leaving
It was remarkable that in many of the towns where these men and women were going with their new found joy, the blessing of God had preceded them.
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
Just south of the Bass Rock, on
which the Scottish Covenanters were imprisoned in terrible conditions during
the 16th century, lies the fishing
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Chapter 5
WHINNYFOLD
South of Cruden Bay on the
Aberdeenshire coast lies the
In the early part of the 20th
century, there were a number of godly men and women who were possessed with a
vision for the young people of their small community. These earnest souls
prayed with "groanings which cannot be uttered" for God to move
amongst them and do a lasting work of salvation. There were few opportunities
afforded for simple gospel preaching, yet so anxious were these folks for
fellowship that they would walk every Sunday to
When September 1921 came, a number
left village to pursue the
In January 1922, Davie Walker, an
evangelist from
When the hall door opened, the evangelist wondered what would happen if they made a rumpus. He was a small man and known as "Wee Davie". While the meeting was going on, the Holy Spirit took control of them. As the gospel message was preached they were all gripped by conviction of sin and everyone of them was saved before the end of the service. This was remarkable as they all went on to spend their lives for Christ. One of them became a grand gospel preacher. A testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ was established soon after that Gospel Campaign and lasted well over fifty years until those saved moved to Peterhead. It must be recorded that many of the people mentioned had the privilege of being brought up in Christian homes. They are now bringing up their families in the same way, so the effects of the blessing that flowed at Whinnyfold in early 1922 is still in evidence.
Chapter 6
PETERHEAD
Famous even then for its prison
which held in its security some of the worst criminals in the land, the town
had many of its inhabitants held captive by the Devil at his will. Many a young
fisherman had returned from the war godless and careless regarding his soul's
eternal welfare. Yet to many of these
men who had seen front line action on land and sea,
In
"Must I go and empty handed, must I meet my Saviour so?"
He cried out that night, "I will go." Little did he realise that the vision he had received from the Lord would take him into places and situations where mighty things would be done through him. Here is an example of what God can do with a life completely given over to Him.
As the drifter Energy steamed home
from
"
'There is power in the blood of the Lamb".
Crowds began to gather around the
small group. Very soon there was a congregation estimated at about 200, all
standing spellbound listening to the cook and his friends telling of Christ's
power to save. The open-air was stir in
progress at
Open-air meetings were held nightly
at the Monument in
One rainy night when the appeal was
made, no one came forward to kneel in the centre of the open-air ring.
By now the denominations of the
town had begun to see that the work being done was not superficial, but was a
genuine move of the Holy Spirit. Consequently, doors and hearts were opened to
the young evangelist. The elders of the
On
On returning from
"The rugged revivalist says,
'Before I went to
The paper continues,
"He spends his time visiting and telling others of Christ and His power to save, even at the Labour Exchange, where many people gather daily. One of his qualities is inspired praying."
The blessing of God continued on
through December and into the New Year. Then the Fishermen's
It was not all encouragement for the leaders of the work. Many were critical, others discouraged new converts and some said that it would not last, but those to whom God had entrusted the leadership of the work pressed on. There is plenty of evidence today, in 1981, that the work done in the hearts in December 1921 has stood the test of time for sixty years.
It will be helpful to take note of what the religious leaders of Peterhead in 1921 had to say about the awakening.
The minister of the Old Parish Church, the Rev. H. D. Swan said, "I rejoice with all my heart and soul that there is a real revival of religion in our midst. I was a sympathetic listener at some of the meetings and found that the young converts were very sincere."
"Without doubt it will do lasting good," said the Rev. A. A. Diack from the West Associate Church.
"The movement ought to be welcomed. Let us thank God for it," stated the United Free Church minister, the Rev. Alex Lawrie.
"I have sat with the converts
in my church and have seen the present day production of the disciples in
them," said the Rev. George Walker from the
All the above quotations are
reproduced from the Buchan Observer of
Chapter 7
CAIRNBULG, INVERALLOCHY
& ST. COMBS
At Pastor Clarke's meetings in
Cairnbulg God's Holy Spirit moved in a mighty way. When the fisherfolks
returned from
Every Sunday morning from
In the afternoon on Sundays an open air meeting was held in the middle of the villages.
"Shodie Love" Buchan with his wife from St. Combs and Jimmy "Denley" Ritchie were well to the fore. Those who knew Jimmy Ritchie thought his lovely white beard made him look like a patriarch. Leaders in the open air work were Alex May, Will "Black Sheep" Third and Bobby "Soper" Cardno. Two young lassies, Katie May and Betsie Duthie helped at these meetings in testimony and song. They later went to be workers with the Faith Mission. When the open air services were in progress almost the whole village turned out to listen. The programme consisted mainly of glowing testimonies and joyful singing.
Baptismal services were held at the
"Water Froth", a burn that ran past
Hymns like "I'm not ashamed to own my Lord" could be heard along the sands at St. Combs.
A newspaper report states that out
of a population of 1500, over 600 professions were recorded in a
fortnight. Gambling had disappeared;
tobacco and cigarettes had been destroyed.
Many prominent Christian leaders visited Cairnbulg and Inverallochy to
see the work of God first hand. One
evangelist from the
On Sundays after the prayer meeting
in the mending loft the people of the villages would go to their respective
churches. Some walked to the Baptist and Congregational Churches in
Fraserburgh. Others went to
Chapter 8
FRASERBURGH
What happened at
Jock boarded a train for the North
and before it had reached
When he had settled in and had
eaten, Jock decided to go for a walk. He went down to the square in
"What about the
"I don't know where it
is," replied Jock. "We will soon take you there," came the
answer from the crowd. Off they went
along the way, joyously singing with the evangelist. When they arrived at the
At
There was a spirit of conviction
everywhere. Souls were even being saved
away from the meetings. It was reported that the message boys were whistling
hymns as they delivered their errands. By now, the entire town was in the grip
of the presence of God. Throughout the last week in November 1921, open-air
services were held in the
The Baptist and Congregational Churches were throwing their whole weight behind this move of God and at the end of the day there was a marked .increase in membership as many of the new converts attached themselves to these churches.
A group of young fishermen prided themselves in being known as the "Dirty Dozen". When they were gloriously saved, a tremendous impact was made on the town. A report of the scenes following some of these services said that many young people were parading the streets calling upon the name of the Lord.
It was obvious that God's channel was Jock Troup. This humble servant of the Lord said nothing new about the Gospel, but it seems that he uttered the good news of salvation with such a force and conviction that it reached the hearts of the people. Jock was wholly yielded to the work. There was no sadness or fear in his message, the services being characterised by joyful singing. Meetings were held every hour of the day, with prayer sessions lasting into the night. On Sunday the evangelist was in great demand, no wonder he became so exhausted that a doctor told him that he would have to rest, otherwise he would kill himself.
Many prominent men from the
religious and secular world came to Fraserburgh to witness the amazing scenes.
Some criticised the work, saying it was because of the poor fishing, or that it
only appealed to simple fisherfolk. Others declared that it was mostly
emotional and would not stand. There were those who had to admit that some
supernatural power was in evidence. One man in particular, Mr. D. P. Thompson,
a student from
On the 20th December, Jock
addressed a packed Congregational Church, stating that the work had grown so
much that the building was too small. During the week the meetings would be
held in the
Jock announced that during the next
fortnight he and Willie Bruce would be leaving Fraserburgh for an unknown
destination, and that God was leading them. "The move would be greater
yet" he declared, and told the people that the Rev. Douglas Brown of
As the year drew to a close, Jock
received a request to come to
Many wept tears of joy because through his ministry they had found a purpose for living. Crowds thronged the railway station at Fraserburgh and sang as the revivalist left with his companion. As the train moved out of the station, the huge crowd sang, "God be with you till we meet again." What a scene, the like of which has never been witnessed, before or since. It was the first of many visits to Fraserburgh Jock was to make, the last being in 1953 to attend the burial service for the victims of the Fraserburgh lifeboat disaster . One of the men lost then was a dear friend of his, a Mr. Duthie, the engineer. He had been saved in the awakening in 1921. On such a sad occasion, Jock sang, as only he could sing,
"In
the sweet by and by,
We
shall meet on that beautiful shore."
Those who were there, including my parents, testified that it was the finest they had ever heard the revivalist sing.
A Fraserburgh fisherman named
Willie Bruce was Jock's chum, even before Willie Bruce was converted. During
the daytime they worked together, but at night they went their separate ways.
Bruce was quiet, reserved young man, but when God saved him, this expert dancer
and roller-skater became a lion for Christ, declaring His Gospel with great
boldness. At the height of the revival in
Chapter 9
GAMRIE
The rugged coast of
Pennan and Gardenston, the latter
locally known as Gamrie, have been the homes of many well-known fishermen. They were experts in driftnet fishing,
especially in the lochs of
As the folks left their comfortable
homes in the two villages, little did they realise that many of them would
return two months later as "new creatures in Christ", putting their
trust in the Blest Rock of Ages.
One night as Douglas Brown preached on the left water pot, from John chapter 4, the Holy Spirit moved through the building, many fell prostrate before under mighty conviction. A number of Pennan and Gamrie men were saved that night. In my possession is that sermon which was preached. I treasure it very much.
Another characteristic of the
After the herring season ended, the inhabitants of Gamrie and Pennan eagerly awaited the return of their loved ones. No one could argue against the changed lives of hardened drunkards who had been transformed by sovereign grace.
Wise old men who had known the
power of Christ in their lives for many years gathered the young converts
together for fellowship in a building called "Castle Grant". This three-storied building was owned by a
man called Francis Wiseman, or "Fish Francie" as he was named. It had been used mainly as a net store. Precious times of blessing were experienced
in the middle story. Crowds would sit on
herring "nets drinking in the words of life. Young converts were taught the Word of God,
while hardened sinners found salvation to be the answer to their long search
for peace." "Fish
A leading part in these meetings was taken by a man called "Soldie" Watt of the steam drifter Gowan Bank. Another of the stalwarts was Willie "Shippie" West. His grandson, Alex Jack, tells in a gospel leaflet the story of "Shippie" crossing to Shetland one stormy night when the steamer struck a rock. As a fisherman he knew the danger they were in, so he made his way along the passenger deck towards the lifeboats and there he saw a lady sitting there quite composed. Going across to her he said, "What a night to be on a rock." Quickly she replied, "It is grand to be on The Rock on a night like this." "Shippie" knew exactly what she meant as he had experienced the truth of Isaiah chapter 32, verse 2. "A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and as a covert from the tempest." Earlier in life he realised that in the gathering storms of time there was only one safe refuge - Jesus Christ.
There were also some light moments in Castle Grant. One night as the meeting progressed, a bag of potatoes burst and scattered all over the floor. As the crowd picked them up, someone started to sing, "What a gathering".
Today, after almost 60 years, the effects of the revival are
still visible in the Church of Scotland, which is outstanding in its
evangelical testimony, and a thriving Brethren Assembly.
Chapter 10
CULLEN, PORTKNOCKIE
& FINDOCHTY
Fishing had for decades been the only source of financial income for the Banffshire towns of Cullen, Portknockie and Findochty. The inhabitants of these places were closely knit, they rejoiced together in happy times and sorrowed together in times of disaster.
Many left at the annual exodus for
the East Anglian fishing, indeed, whole families made the journey south in
order to either catch, gut or pack the silver darlings. Children of school age were taught in schools
at
These three towns were to know a
rich harvest, far beyond that which had been thought possible. Whole families were converted to Christ, even
before they returned north. When they
did arrive in their respective towns, the blessings received at
The Christians of Cullen, some who had been revived and others just saved, were to play a prominent part in the move of the Holy Spirit in Portsoy in 1923. When Captain William Leed and Lieutenant A. E. Towne, the Salvation Army officers at Cullen decided to go to Portsoy for meetings in March 1923, they were supported by a loyal band of Christians on fire for God, from Cullen. These folks were willing to cycle even in winter weather in order to tell their neighbouring townsfolks of the One Who is mighty and strong to save. No wonder Portsoy, Sandend and other villages were moved by revival blessing and many were saved.
There were others who unashamedly blazed the trail for God, because wherever the men of Portknockie went in pursuit of their calling as fishermen, they would fearlessly and fervently proclaim by life and lip that Christ is the answer.
One of the well-known characters around the Banffshire fishing villages at that time was a fisherman from Portknockie called John Innes. Saved at the turn of the century, John was tall, of erect bearing, and could often be seen standing alone at some street corner, holding forth the word of life. His preaching took its character from his way of life and was invariably interspersed with quaint witticisms. Preaching in the days when radio was in its infancy, he would say, "I'm always tuned in to glory." The words of the song he frequently sang revealed how this man of God saw the journey of life as a voyage at sea, and how one needed Jesus as a pilot. Those who heard him sing said that he sang with conviction and the passion that only a soul burdened for others could sing. This is his song:-
"Ye
sons of the main that sail o'er the flood
Whose
sins like a mountain, have reached unto God,
Remember
the short voyage of life soon will end,
And
so brother sailor, make Jesus your friend
Look
astern on your life, see your way marked by sin,
See
what dangers your vessel and cargo are in,
If
the hard rocks of death should grate on your keel,
Can
you say with assurance, your soul will be well?
Lay
by your old compass, it will do you no good,
It
n 'er can direct you the right way to God,
Mind
your helm brother sailor and don't fall asleep,
Or
you vessel and cargo will sink in the deep.
There
are treacherous shoals then on every hand,
On
the voyage of life, to that happy land,
Consult
your chart and compass every day,
And
your vessel will sail safely on all the way.
With
the Pilot on board we can sail right along,
Through
calms and through storms till we reach our blest home,
Then
come unto Jesus, my dear sinner friend,
For
remember the short voyage of life will soon end."
A few miles west of Portknockie is the town known locally as "Finichty". Around the first two decades of the 20th century Findochty contained some tremendous men and women of God.
One such was James Campbell, a
Sergeant-major in the local Salvation Army Corps. James preached in his sea-boots in
Another was James "Callie" Campbell. Some of his family did not enjoy a full measure of health, but this only drove those saintly souls nearer to the Christ they loved. He proved God in these circumstances, because his faith in Christ was as deep as the sea that he sailed in search of a modest living for his family.
One man who was always rejoicing in his Saviour was George Flett. Known locally as "Sailor", he played his cornet in the Salvation Army meetings. He is reputed to have played his instrument to the glory of God in every port he visited as a fisherman. His one-man, plus God, open air meetings were well listened to. What a character for Jesus, Finlay flett was. With his boat, "Brae Flett", he moved to Wick, taking his whole family with him, and proved his worth as a Salvationist.
It was a privilege of mine to know another stalwart of these days of revival. I met Bill Bruce while I was conducting a Gospel Campaign in a tent at Buckie in 1964. Immediately a great friendship was forged between us. The sweetness of the fellowship in his home with his dear wife "Lass" will live with me for a long time. As I sat and drank in the stories of triumphs for the Cross, my heart would just cry, "Lord, do it again." These few men along with others stood for the truths of the Gospel even before 1921. No wonder Findochty was especially blest when God moved amongst the fisher folks.
The weekend after the drifters had
sailed for
Then the captain remarked that
there were only eleven or twelve in the service due to the fishing and lack of
interest in spiritual things. Suddenly
the three stopped in their tracks as they realised the situation. They fell on their knees and began to pray,
crying upon God to do something. Soon
their hearts were at rest as they were assured that something great was on .the
way. As they arose from their knees that
Sunday night, souls belonging to their beloved town were finding Jesus Christ
as their Saviour, hundreds of miles away in
During that next week letters and
telegrams began to arrive at Findochty, telling of the blessing flowing at
The record states that as the men walked from Buckie to Findochty, a distance of two or three miles, the songs of their pilgrimage to heaven were sung all the way. One of the most noteable features of the move of God in Findochty was that nearly every afternoon of the winter of 1921-22 groups of newly saved souls would leave the town and go into the neighbouring villages and preach the Gospel of Christ with remarkable results.
The abiding fruit of these few months are still evident, with another generation experiencing the same Christ as Saviour today in "Finichty".
Chapter 11
BURGHEAD & HOPEMAN
Snugly situated at the top of the
Boats belonging to these ports
proudly display the
There were impressive scenes at
Hopeman and Burghead as the men returned from
"The
broken strands of life can all be mended,
By
the dear hand of Christ my Lord."
A service was held in a hall at Hopeman on the first Sunday of December, 1921, when a large crowd attended. There about twenty men and women came forward in answer to the appeal. On the Monday five or six responded to the altar call. God was working.
An open-air meeting held one
Tuesday in December drew a large audience.
After this a march of witness moved along
In an interview a fisherman convert revealed this amazing story.
"I attended a meeting in
Burghead was not moved to the same depth that Hopeman was. Nevertheless, the revival was hailed with great enthusiasm. A middle aged convert was asked what he thought of the revival.
"I believe God is working. The meetings are creating a great impression. People are locking their doors and leaving the mending lofts. They are making for the meetings to hear the young fishermen speak. Some people are sceptical, but just look at the drunkards who have been converted. It is evident that they have met the Master, and the joy expressed on their faces show it is a work of the Lord."
An estimate given at the time of the revival stated that there were well over one hundred converts who were genuinely saved.
Chapter 12
WICK
The well-known Pilgrim Preachers
arrived in Wick at the beginning of October 1921 and started holding meetings
in the
Away in Yarmouth God was moving
among the Wick fishermen. Around six were converted, some of them notorious
characters. Among these men were Don Rosie and John Flett, both of the motor
drifter Brae Flett. One man relates how he walked from Gorleston to
As the fishermen of Wick returned
home, the converts were alive for God. On
"Ho!
ev'ry one that is thirsty in spirit,
Ho!
ev 'ry one that is weary and sad;
Come
to the fountain, there's fulness in Jesus,
All
that you're longing for, come and be glad.
'I
will pour water on him that is thirsty,
I
will pour floods upon the dry ground;
Open
your hearts for the gift I am bringing;
While
you are seeking Me, I will be found.'
It is reported that the atmosphere
was charged with the power of the Holy Spirit and in the meeting some precious
souls found Christ. After the service Billie gathered all the young converts
together and said, "Boys I'm a Salvationist, I'll be going to the
Salvation Army tomorrow night. If you want to come, "meet me outside the
Army Hall at
By Monday, 26th November, almost the entire population of Wick was talking about the revival.
There was a deep sense of' God's
presence. At an open-air service on the Brae-Head above the harbour at the
Pulteney side of Wick these young souls, some only converted for a few hours,
boldly testified of Christ' s redeeming power. Two well known young fishermen
came out of the public house across from the meeting and John Flett, who had
recently been saved in
Tuesday the 27th was the greatest night of all. After the meetings indoors there was a. tremendous open air service in the market place where it was estimated that over one hundred and twenty accepted Christ as their personal Saviour. Witnesses of this great event tell of how hardened men and women broke down, and with tears of repentance cried upon God for mercy. The young converts took off their coats and laid them on the ground so that those who desired could kneel in comfort. From that night the blessing spread like wildfire.
Those who were leading the work came under exceptional strain. Conducting meetings, holding nights of prayer and praise, leading enquirers to Christ all took their toll on the health of those concerned. Captain Reid of the Salvation Army became ill. Young Lieutenant Long found herself in charge of the work. God used that young woman mightily in His service. The open air services at the Brae-Head brought out large crowds and on several occasions at least four streets were blocked. Listeners were amazed as the young Christians fluently quoted scripture.
A convert who later became a
Salvation Army Officer, eventually rising to the rank of Brigadier, tells of
these meetings. "I was unsaved and unmoved when the awakening started. As
cashier of the Breadalban Picture House, I can say that hardly anyone was
attending the cinema, at one showing there were only five present. I would be
going to my work at
Brigadier Rosie goes on to give her testimony.
"I was saved in the New Year in the Rifle Hall. The crowds were so large that the Rifle Hall had to be taken over as it was the only Hall big enough, yet even that was too small. Six months later I came into the experience of scriptural holiness and could sing from a clean heart's experience,
‘I'm
more than conqueror through His blood,
Jesus
saves me now,
I
rest beneath the shield of God,
Jesus
saves me now.’"
Our sister went to the Salvation
Army Training College and became an officer in many Corps where a great work
was done. Her sweet voice could be heard singing the songs of
In these times of refreshing it was wonderful to witness that all believers were united in Christ.
The one aim was to see souls
rescued from sin. Mr. Millard of the
The
His church was constantly filled,
most of the time there was standing room only. Prayer meetings played a very
important part in his ministry. The
testimony meetings on Sunday afternoons were special occasions. Don Rosie told
of how he stopped smoking six weeks before he got saved in a meeting run by
Douglas Brown at
"You ask me how I know I'm saved? I'll tell you. Before I got saved I would find myself under the bed on a Sunday morning because I was so drunk that I could not get into it on Saturday night. Now, I am in bed on a Sunday morning for I have never touched a drop of drink since I got saved."
These converts were new creatures in Christ, and they knew it.
"I'm saved, I know I'm saved cried one fisherman. How do I know? Well, yesterday I went into Walter' Craig's shoppie and on the counter were some knives. I could not steal them. Before I got saved I would have had two or three in my pocket."
How these uneducated men loved to tell in their own way the change that had been wrought in their lives since Jesus had come to abide in their hearts. They were so keen to testify that the leader during a meeting had to insist on order as two or three would have spoken at once.
A Salvation Army Staff Captain,
Mrs. Rohu from
Jock Troup arrived home at Wick on
A special Gospel Rally was held in the United Free Church. This was his first engagement since the operation. Witnesses declare that it was a meeting "out of this world". The place was packed to capacity, chairs filled the aisles and there were people sitting on the pulpit steps. His text for that night was, "Ye must be born again." People who knew him in days past had to recognise that he carried the seal of God's approval on his life and work.
Jock now flung his whole weight
into the meetings. The rest had done him good, for the time he had been laid
aside proved to have brought fresh inspiration. So large were the crowds that
gathered to hear the local man that the police asked him to move from the
Market Place down to the harbour at. The Camps.
Services were held between
"What
a wonderful change in my life has been wrought,
Since
Jesus came into my heart.
I
have peace in my soul for which long 1 have sought,
Since
Jesus came into my heart."
The Master's call was heavy upon Jock,
for it was not long before he started to travel. God's work in Wick went on,
with the tide continuing to rise in blessing. One notable feature was that the
young converts grasped every opportunity to witness for Christ. Jock made many
new friends among them. One of these was a young man who had been saved only a
few months earlier through the Pilgrim Preachers. From the beginning of his
Christian life this young man showed great promise, and he travelled with Jock
around
Jock found it hard to get away to
the quiet place. In a crowded home it was not easy to escape the publicity he
attracted. Often he would go down to the old sail-boats which were moored on
the river at Wick. There he cried alone to God in prayer. Sometimes Angie
joined him. In later years these days
became precious memories. Angie was later
to associate himself with the Open Brethren. For over fifty years he has proved
to be a faithful Bible teacher and evangelist.
Many have found Christ through his ministry in the Brethren Assemblies,
especially in
Chapter 13
THURSO
The town of
There were no herring drifters from
Thurso at
One of the men converted in
December 1921 was John Sinclair, who became Sergeant-Major of the Thurso Corps. Mr.
Sinclair took an active part in local government affairs, rising to the
highest office in that realm. It was in
these circumstances that he left his mark as a man who had high Christian
principles in dealing both with the poor and with royalty. "The meetings were packed and the crowds
were so large that we were like herring in a barrel," he said. "I went along to Army meetings on
Sundays, but had no real interest. One
weeknight I went along for Willie Leed' s brother, then I found myself being drawn
to the Army Hall. My friend refused to
enter, but I went in and got saved.
Quite a few were at the Penitent Form that night. My friend Leed came along a few nights after
that and he got saved as well. At the
testimony meetings new converts would be anxious to tell in their own way how
they were saved and what progress they were making." Outside the Town Hall
at least 130 men and women stood in a ring.
Chapter 14
PORTSOY REVIVAL 1923
Port soy on the Banffshire coast
knew something ~f delayed action regarding the evidence of the awakening of the
Spirit. Only a few men and women were converted at
conversion, but when he found
Christ the change was remarkable. His entire family eventually became
Christians. Another was Jock "Tartan" Pirie. These two men were ready
to take responsibility when God moved two years later. One day while they were
praying for the town, two young Salvation Army officers, who were based in the
neighbouring
It was no coincidence that a
Captain Leed, who hailed from Thurso was the officer in charge of the Salvation
Army at Cullen. He was a member of the Army team who had seen tremendous
blessing around
Lieutenant Towns and his co-worker
realised that a few people in Portsoy were burdened over the spiritual state of
their town. The officers began to pray along with them. Captain Leed testified
that there were many occasions that Lieutenant Towns would weep all night for
Portsoy. One day the junior officer asked for permission to go to Portsoy to
conduct services. Immediately Captain Leed agreed. He had been praying that
his co-worker would volunteer to hold meetings in that town. It was a known
fact that many had boasted that Port soy was not touched by any revival.
Services were arranged to start during the week of
The open-air meeting took the usual
form of others conducted by the Salvation Army. There was bright singing and
testimonies from those who had come along with young Lieutenant Towns from
Cullen. He then gave a simple message. Crowds gathered to hear. A man who was
saved that night tells the story with great conviction. "I was just going
into my teens when I heard of the transforming power of Christ in the lives of
the men who returned from
Little did some of these men realise that a few months later they would be standing and testifying to the power of Christ in the very same place. Why? Because Christ had come into their lives."
The same brother goes on to tell of
that first meeting held in Portsoy on
The services in the Christian Institute were times of refreshing. Many a night the hall would be packed to capacity with 500 people inside. The cinema was closed and later taken over by the Salvation Army. People walked from Whitehills, Fordyce, Sandend and Cullen to these meetings and there were many conversions. A certain Jimmy Hay was drunk when he cried out, "Lord be merciful to me a sinner." As he rose from his seat he was sober. It was said that there were 400 souls saved in Portsoy and the surrounding villages at that time.
There were some outstanding conversions in Portsoy, but that of Jimmy Hay was a case of immediate transformation. His brother tells of how the news was broken to Jimmy's mother. "A neighbour cried out, 'Your Jimmy has got saved in Portsoy tonight.' I cannot remember my mother's reply, but she stayed out of bed to see the result of the work of grace. In due course Jimmy came home and cried out, 'Mither, here's a new man tae ye the nicht.' My mother stood for a moment and then sang,
'Ring
the bells of heaven; there is joy today,
For
a soul returning from the wild.
See,
the Father meets him out upon the way,
Welcoming
His weary, wandering child.' "
The fishing
Chapter 15
JOCK TROUP
Jock decided in 1922 that his Bible knowledge was limited
so he enrolled at the famous Bible Training Institute in
Jock would constantly be having prayer meetings in his
room at all hours of the day and night, and although this created some problems
for Dr. McIntyre in his responsibility for the other students, the godly
principal used all his wisdom and knowledge in making Jock realise that rules
had to be kept. Some students testified that these times of prayer were a
tremendous blessing to their souls, and set them an examp le of how to pray
through and claim the blessing from heaven.
It was during these days that Jock met another young man
who was fired with the power of Christ. When that young man arrived at the
Bible Training Institute, he hardly knew how to use a fork and knife. Peter
Connolly was born and brought up a Roman Catholic in a poor home in the North
of England. From the moment he was saved his life began to speak volumes for
the power of salvation. Soon a bond of love, unity and desire to work for
Christ grew between these two and they were constantly called upon to conduct
campaigns together during college days. Both of them found the discipline. hard
at the Institute, yet later on they often paid tribute to the help and
encouragement they received. On one occasion Jock and Peter complained about a
certain lecturer who had not mentioned Jesus Christ in his lecture. The principal
asked for their notes and they told him that they had disposed of them. He took
time and patience to explain to his two over zealous students that the lecture
had been on the Children of Israel in the Wilderness. Travelling together in
gospel campaigns around
In many fishing towns along the Scottish coast there are
still those who remember missions being conducted by Peter and Jock. Over the
next years they travelled extensively. In 1932 Jock was invited to become
Assistant Superintendent to Mr. P. T. McRostie at the Tent Hall in
Mr. McRostie died in 1933 and Jock was asked to take full
responsibility for the work at the famous Tent Hall. At that time it was one of
the largest independent missions in the land. He accepted the challenge and was
Superintendent until 1945. During those years Jock fought against every evil
that abounded in the city of
His open-air services at the Glasgow Cross were blessed
times when his tremendous voice could be heard singing and preaching ever
Saturday afternoon. He made sure that his meetings were always bright, whether
it was out in campaigns or in the more organised atmosphere of the Tent Hall.
One of his saying was, "There is no warrant in Scripture to tell us that a
gospel service should be conducted like a funeral." In Tent Hall days Jock invited many powerful
ministers and evangelists to
Jock never lost the urge to travel in order to preach the
gospel. He had realised earlier on that he was called to be an evangelist and
never lost that sense of call. However, the years had taken their toll on his
health and after some illness he resigned from the leadership of the Tent Hall
in 1945. Many folks speak yet of those days, and there are many who are proud
to have been associated with him in the work of the Gospel. He never lost his
love for the Salvation Army. During his frequent visits to Wick he always visited
the Corps there. He took great delight in appealing for funds for the Salvation
Army picnic for children in Wick. In the open-air at the Camps in Wick he would
cry out for all those who could afford to give £1 notes, then for those who
were able to give 10/- notes and last of all he would ask for the snow (silver)
to cover the paper.
When a Wick Salvationist was being interviewed as a
candidate for Officership by Commissioner Jeffries he was asked, "Do you
know a John Troup?" "I know a Jock Troup," replied the
candidate. ''Well," said the Commissioner,. "I invited him to become
an officer in the Salvation Army, but he felt he could not stand the discipline. Jock is reported to have said at least once,
"If 1 had my life to live over again, I would be a Salvation Army
Officer."
After Jock's health began to improve, he started to
travel again and conduct missions throughout
Jock was not an old man, but the thirty-six years of
Christian experience were packed to capacity .in the service of Christ. Truly
he could say, "I, love my Master, I will not go out free." He has gone down in the annals of the
One of Jock's favourite choruses was, .
"Just a little longer, and the trump of
God will sound,
Just a little longer, and we'll all
be glory bound.
Look away to Jesus, your redemption
draweth nigh ,.
Just a little longer, and we'll meet
Him in the sky."
His melodious voice has been preserved for posterity on
quite a few gramophone records. He sang the old hymns' with a "tremendous
depth of conviction seldom found in modern gospel soloists.
Many of the renowned evangelical leaders paid tribute to
Jock and lamented that a great man and a prince had "fallen in
Chapter 16
PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF THE PORTSOY REVIVAL
The following article is a personal account of the awakening at Portsoy
in 1923, by one of the two men God was pleased to use. William Leed became a
powerful instrument in the hands of the Holy Spirit. Both of these men became
high ranking officers in the "Army" they served and loved.
I am deeply indebted to Mr. James Slater of Portsoy for access to this
personal account.
THE STRATEGY OF GOD
WILLlAM LEED
The
editor suggested that I tell something of the story of the North Scottish
Awakening 1921-23, and I do so hoping that our faith may be strengthened that
the "God Who lived at Pentecost is just the same today'" Why not a
world-wide revival in our time?
My title
is borrowed from Commissioner Brengle and his observations of God strategically
using human events to accomplish His purposes for the salvation of mankind.
Surely
Divine strategy arranged three independent spiritual spearheads to simultaneously
attack
I believe
God's strategy with those events was aimed at far wider issues, for the annual
invasion of the fishing ports by thousands of Scottish fishworkers happened
when Revival was getting into its stride. Douglas Brown had prolonged his
Campaign, all places of worship being thronged with seeking souls, great
numbers of Scots among them.
The
fishing season ended, the Scots carried the Revival Fire north and North
Scottish towns and villages were aflame, converts "went everywhere
preaching the Lord Jesus", thousands being saved. At Peterhead 600 seekers
were registered, and Wick Corps saw at least 500, and great numbers of professing
Christians were revived; practically all denominations pulsated with new life,
and eager converts carried the Gospel to their neighbouring villages.
At
Cullen, outpost of Findochty, Lieutenant Reg. Woods (late Commissioner), led
some little girls to Jesus and told them to ask their mothers to pray for them.
Golden haired Anna Gardiner did so, and her war-widowed mother, stricken to the
heart, replied, "My quinie (wee girl) I canna' pray for masel' yet'"
Said Anna, "Mither, ye can be saved. too!" That was a troubled night
for Mrs. Gardiner, and it was no co-incidence led Lieutenant Woods to bring a
group of converts for an open-air next day almost outside her door. Mrs.
Gardiner left her washtub, arms full of soap-suds, and standing in the ring with
uplifted hands cried, "I want you all to know I accept Jesus Christ as my
Saviour!"
Her
witness electrified Cullen Seatown; the Lieutenant announced a meeting in the
hall which was filled, and that afternoon a soul saving work began that never
ceased until very many converts were won.
A few
months later my Lieutenant (Col. Albert Towns) and I were appointed from
Clapton to. Cullen. These wonderful days - crowded meetings in the hall which
was filled, and that meetings weekdays and Sunday - 24 meetings weekly outdoors
and inside including Y.P. - great enthusiasm - everyone anxious to pray,
sing and testify. Our first open-air comprised eighty in the ring, and I felt
"surely God is in this place!" That was the night of our arrival and
that impression never left me.
To
organise the Corps was a glad responsibility, but we were anxious to win souls,
but this was difficult - everyone seemed already saved. The D.C. reminded us
there was a time for ingathering and a time for building them up in our most
holy faith.
1922 was
a wonderful year. To watch these
newly-born Christians grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ was an
inspiration. It did much for
ourselves also. A Training Officer had
advised
me to give my very best in my first address and to improve on that standard in
every meeting following. He little realised what he was laying upon me. We had
eleven senior meetings weekly besides five Y.P. meetings and ten open-airs,
besides constant visitation. We had
to wrestle in prayer. Certain sects challenged
the converts on Army doctrine, which made us search the Scriptures even more
thoroughly than when in training, but this confirmed our confidence in the
Scriptural foundations of our movement. After a lifetime of prayerful
consideration of "the faith which was once delivered to the
saints", my convictions thereon are deeper than ever.
Somehow,
despite seeming improbability of another great ingathering of souls, we
believed we would again see God's hand mightily at work. For our New Year motto
we chose General Osborn's song "Greater Things", and in our
Watchnight Service issued a challenge. After much prayer we asked all who
believed the coming year would show "even greater things" to sing
the chorus with uplifted hands. I see them now - the packed hal1 - uplifted
faces, same tear-stained - hands outstretched to God - a sublime moment
of childlike faith in God. We little realised how it should come - another
Great Awakening.
Portsoy, one-time busy little sea part, six miles east
of Cullen, was our responsibility. We more than once held a two-man
open-air there, but there seemed little interest. We were later told the folk
prided themselves that in former times when revival swept the coast Portsoy
remained untouched. Duncan Mathiesan and James Turner were reputed to have
laboured there in vain.
Delivering
SD envelopes there early in 1923 I was twice challenged; a woman told me Portsoy could go to hel1 for
all the Christians cared, and an elderly fisherman implored me to hold meetings
there. Deeply concerned, while cycling home that day, I felt a distinct urge
that something must be done. But how? Our Cul1en itinerary was heavy. Owing to
a clause in letting of the hall, we dared not close it for one night. Others
were keen to use it, and once they got in we would be on the streets.
On the
following Tuesday, however, we arranged for someone to hold the fort at Cullin
whilst a party of us invaded Portsoy where a hall was engaged for a
meeting. At the preceding open-air a
young man knelt in the ring causing a sensation. The hall was crowded. There
was obvious conviction, but none came forward indoors.
Next
Sunday a young Portsoy man came to Cullen and claimed Salvation. Begging me to
come to Portsoy for a Sunday meeting, he said many there were under conviction
and he was sure they would respond. Again local difficulties confronted us, but
I asked the Lord if this was of Him would He cause the Lieutenant to offer to
go with a. party. To my joy, walking home that night the Lieutenant said,
"Let me go with some of the fellows, Captain." I immediately secured
the hall and announced the meeting. Next Sunday we turned our Cullen services
into prayer meetings for Portsoy.
During
one night meeting I was distinctly convinced souls were surrendering at Portsoy
. Later I met the Lieutenant on the road home and said, "Before you tell
me anything, you have had souls."
"Yes,"
he replied, "three young men came forwards in the open-air, and six more
men indoors."
"Thank
God," I answered. "Now you will return tomorrow and others will
follow." One of the party said later, "You often speak about the Holy
Spirit, Captain. I saw Him at work in the Lieutenant in that open-air. He was
truly filled with the Holy Ghost!"
Next day
six young men surrendered. God now wonderfully helped with arrangements for our
Cullen meetings, and we had nineteen seekers at Portsoy on Tuesday. On
Wednesday the D.C. came. We engaged the Town Hall and twenty-six souls were
registered.
And so it
went on; the Town Hall was packed nightly, floor and gallery, many unable to
gain admittance. Often folks were at the penitent-form before the meeting
commenced as the people gathered long before commencing time, singing and
praising God.
There
were so few to help us with the penitents, we frequently had to leave the
prayer meeting to run itself. Eighty year old grannie Pirie, olden-times
Salvationist kept things goin’. I see her now walking the aisle singing,
"There are angels hovering round to carry the tidings home."
The town
seemed transformed; one somehow felt spiritual atmosphere everywhere; the
glory of the Lord seemed upon the place. Singing could be heard from the houses
as converts gathered to praise God everywhere. I recall a wonderful occasion
when an elderly lady pulled me from the street into her home, saying,
"Pray wi' me, Captain; I want tae mak' ma peace wi' God!" her kitchen
table became a hallowed altar. Many were pointed to Christ in their homes.
One
memorable night when a hefty R.C. lady came to the Mercy seat a young woman
rushed forward embracing her. Enquiring later, I found the girl was her niece.
There was bitter estrangement between the families - family dispute - violence
- the lady had broken her brother's arm. For twenty years they had not spoken
to one another. Two years later I saw both families walking to the Holiness
Meeting with Bibles under their arms. "What a wonderful change in their
lives had been wrought since Jesus came into their hearts."
The
elderly fisherman and his wife who first challenged me, were converted and
their home became the first Corps quarters. The lady challenger of that day
also came to the Lord. Later she became the Home League Secretary. Her husband
was a wonderful trophy of grace. Sixteen years afterwards he thumped me on the
back when I briefly visited the town, saying, "Captain Leed you are my
spiritual father!" I was deeply moved as I also was that day on visiting
a grand soul who at conversion was unable to read owing to unfortunate
circumstances in childhood. She learned to read in order to understand the
Bible and Song Book. Greeting me with
her Song Book in her hand she joyfully said, "Oh Captain, listen tae this
lovely sonie I've jist been readin As
she read a thrill of joy came over me.
There was
no great preaching, just a simple presentation of the Gospel with earnest
appeals to yield to Christ. Sometimes no address was given, seekers came to the
penitent form as soon as the meetings commenced. An outstanding feature was
that the large proportion of elderly folk who were saved - aged married couples
particularly, and faithful Christians they became. There was no undue excitement,
they not being an over-emotional type. Prior to the Awakening it seemed a
spiritually indifferent town. .
Lack of
space prevents further reminiscences but many times I have thanked God for the
gracious privilege of sharing in that wonderful work of grace, for a lifetime
friendship with my Lieutenant of those great days, and the memories of those
converts the majority of whom are now in the Gloryland.
"And
the hand of the Lord was with them and a great number believed and turned unto
the Lord." (Acts 11:21)
Chapter 17
NEWSPAPER ACCOUNTS
The newspapers, local and national, gave quite a coverage to this
awakening by the Spirit of God.
Local papers reported the ebb and flow of the blessing in the lives of
the people.
By and large they gave an accurate account of the events that took place
in their towns and villages.
One national paper carried the statement that pipes, tobacco, tobacco
pouches and cigarettes were placed in a given spot in the middle of the
villages of Cairnbulg and Inverallochy.
The articles concerned were then set alight in bonfire style and the
converts sang hymns and prayed, but as far as I have endeavoured to trace this
event, I have been unable to find anyone to corroborate it.
In the Christian press coverage was given to the revival and reports
show that Professors and Ministers had to acknowledge that it was "of
God".
I am indebted to the editors of the papers concerned for access to their
back numbers and for permission to quote freely from them.
Jock Troup's Interview
with the
This interview was
conducted in
"Having a grand time in
last weekend, meetings have been held in the
Another extract from
the
"The prairie fire of religious revival is raging along the coasts from
Wick to Peterhead. It was kindled by a torch lit at
Meetings started in the open-air, then the churches opened their door
and hundreds professed salvation. 'It won't last long,' they said, but the
fisherfolks are home from
The above articles are
reproduced by kind permission of the Editor of the
Peoples Journal of
10th December, 1921
"At testimony meetings these weather-hardened fishermen speak of
'The Great Captain', call Christ 'The Skipper' or of 'Having the Pilot on
board' because they are bound for the .
The chart is the Bible, so with such a CHART and such a CAPTAIN,
'We canna' gang rang., they say. The songs sung are old favourites,
such as 'Old Hundredth, Will your Anchor hold in the Storms of Life?, and When
the Roll is called up Yonder',
A stirring incident took place at the Monument in
Peoples Journal of
"People are thronging the streets going to Church, nine out of ten
can be counted on being bound for a place of worship. They are not the
conventional type of Churchgoer. With them religion is part of themselves, not
to be confused with the donning of fine raiment. So one discovers them in the
garb of their calling, the men in blue jerseys and caps, the women in shawls,
but there are well-dressed people sprinkled amongst them, which shows that the
movement is not confined to only the fisher class. Where the church should hold
500, a 1000 or more contrive to find an entry and the doorway is blocked with
others who would fain get in.
There is no waiting .for the fixed hour for the beginning. Prayer is
offered spontaneously -without a break, the worship switches again into hymn
choruses. Voluntary testimonies are frankly and eagerly made by young
converts." Tales of drink and gambling, of domestic unhappiness, of soured
existence, flow from the lips of men and women who passionately" plead
with the unconverted. The messages are simple. there is insistence on one point
- the acceptance of Christ as the only road to salvation.
Figures in tens and twenties move down the aisles of places of worship
to prostrate themselves at the stool of repentance. More come to increase the number
of motionless figures at the front. It is an experience that sends a thrill
through you veins. The people refuse to leave the building, and once more the
singing breaks out, as full-throated as ever.
The villages along the
'We are not revolting against the churches', says Jock 'But the Almighty
is.' The ministers have left the Bible to a new theology which is not based on
the Bible. God has lowly and humble instruments .to .guide people back to the
truth which is in Christ. It is a revelation to hear the songs sung in the
Spirit."
The above extracts are
reproduced by kind permission of the Editor of the Peoples Journal.
Buchan Observer -
Peterhead -
"Religion of an evangelical nature has always appealed to fisherfolks.
At
Buchan Observer -
"Religious Revival still continues to spread in Peterhead. The
movement has been taken up with great enthusiasm by the Salvation Army. During
the past week open-airs have been held every night, and young fishermen and
fishergirls have given personal testimony to the experience of salvation. A
stimulus has been given to the revival through a united effort by the
Congregational and United Free Churches having a Campaign by an evangelist
named Mr. John Moor."
Buchan Observer
"There are I believe deeper truths in this revival movement than
meets the eye of the casual observer for men and women, young and old have been
swept off their feet in 1000' s as the movement has swept up the seaboard of
the Aberdeenshire Coast. Life has been radically changed, and the old
valuations are gone. Something big and overwhelming has happened to them, and
we stand by and gaze wonderingly and perhaps half CONTEMPTUOUSLY at the
PHENOMENON
and ask ourselves, 'What is it, what is the power that has changed our
ordinary PLACID and quiet living neighbours into praising, praying, prophesying
evangelists?' I have met them personally and collectively and can say it is not
EMOTION. One thing has impressed me and that is that the gatherings are mostly
acts of praise.
I wish it well, and will be delighted if the march continues and turns
the cold critics into convinced supporters and admiring friends. "
The above extracts are
reproduced by kind permission of the Editor of the Buchan Observer.
Northern Ensign, Wick,
of 30th November 1921
During the weekend services were conducted by local Salvation Army
Corps, when a number of Pultney fishermen who were converted at
Northern Ensign of
"The air is electric with revival enthusiasm these days. A remarkable
awakening has taken place particularly amongst the fisherfolks, many of whom
once believed as they say in having a good
time, and who were outstanding characters. They have abandoned their old
way of life, and have .identified themselves with Christian Service
particularly the Salvation Army. I have been present at several open-air
meetings at the Market Place and at one inside meeting in Zion Hall and ~ave
been greatly impressed by the amount of spiritual fervour manifested.
Unlettered lads spoke in homely
language telling of their change of heart. 9ne said his chum had
declared it was like a 'Flu' and was spreading. Another convert said he had
joined the ship of salvation. It was. not an eight-man crew craft, it was not a
small packet, but a ship that could take all onboard. Another said he was once
full up of dancing, pictures, drink, gambling and several other things, now he
was full up of salvation."
Northern Ensign of
14th December,. 1921.
"The revival INAUGURATED in Wick by the local fishing community at
Northern Ensign of
2lst December, 1921. .
"The meetings in the Salvation Army Hall continue with marked
success with many wonderful conversions taking place. Several fishermen
converts have left for West Coast fishing. On boat, the Mizpah is manned
entirely by men who have professed Christianity, and their departure last week
for the Stornoway fishing was a scene of great interest at the harbour. The
boat sailed with the Salvation Army flag flying from her masthead and the crew
and their friends sang revival hymns. It was really a scene unexampled in the
history of the
The boat was stormbound at Scrabster and the crew went to Thurso
Salvation Army and held meetings where a number professed conversion.
The meetings continue in Zion Salvation Army Hall, and the work shows no
sign of abatement. Of late the parents of young fishermen have been following
their offspring into the
The above extracts are
reproduced by kind permission of the Editor of the John O' Groats Journal.
The Railway Signal,
Magazine of the Railway
"David Cordiner does not mention his experiences at Peterhead very
often - he is afraid lest people think he is a somebody, when he knows, 'Jesus
did it all'.
He was in the fishing fleet at
He had to bear the hardships of the poor fishing that was experienced
when the fleet went out day after day and often returned with hardly a fish.
Jock Troup heard the voice of God in the trouble and began open-air
meetings, at which David stood as a listener. David had been converted some two
years previously, but had never come right out for God. One night, however, he
faced the matter, and he felt within him a great deliverance had come. Now he
could take part in the meetings, and began by bringing his mates and the
fishergirls to the meetings, and many were saved. Soon the boats turned home
once more to
One Saturday night he was compelled to go along to the corner where the men
usually gathered. He had never preached before, and had neither heads nor tails
to his address; but the Lord filled his mouth with words, and soon a crowd
gathered. For nearly two hours David held on his burning appeal. That night
seven men came out and knelt down on the stones of the street, confessing their
sin and committing themselves to the Saviour. Next day, Sunday, was a day
usually spent mostly in prayer. When night came, he went forth again to the
street, and again a crowd gathered. The night was cold, and after a time a
march was formed, and the crowd went into the Salvation Army Hall. Here a great
scene was witnessed, when over twenty anxious souls sought the Saviour.
For six weeks meetings went on every night, David bearing the greater
share of the work, but others also came to help, and hundreds professed
decision for Christ. Some news of this movement reached us in
that, whilst he would take part in the meetings, I must also take part.
We went to the Mission Hall and knelt down in the vestry to pray. While we were
kneeling, the door opened, and someone knelt
down near me, and I knew it was David Cordiner. When we got up from our
knees, I shook hands with this serious-faced young man. I said, 'You will take
the meeting tonight?' 'No, you must fulfil your programme,' he said."
Extract from the
Railway Signal, Magazine of the Railway