Methodist Revival in West Tyrone in the 18th/19th Centuries

Our family had Methodist Ministers from the 18th Century:-
Rev James and Rev Robert Smith
Rev Hugh Moore 1839-1927 married Rebecca Smith
see Smith Page

Obituaries

Rev Hugh Moore
Born at Drumclamph in the Castlederg Circuit 15 May 1839, and died at his son’s residence in Greystones, Co Wicklow,
15 January,1927, having passed his 87th Birthday. His religious ancestry dated back to the days of John Wesley, who preached in his great grandfather’s garden. He came from stalwart stock, both his father and his mother being almost centenarians. When he was a young man of 25 his definite religious life began. His conversion was the fruit of special services But it actually took place, as he knelt by the wayside, at midnight, under the silent stars. He gave himself at once in to the Masters service, and was subsequently appointed a local preacher. In 1866 his long ministry of more than 60 years began. His work throughout was in parts of the field needing patient and strenuous labour, which he gave ungrudgingly, and in several placers he was privileged to gather precious harvest sheaves. He was a man of exceeding humility, gentleness and sympathy. The devotion of his spirit was evident to all. Those who knew him best loved him most. Fourteen years of his long supernumeraryship were given to the care of the church in Rathdrum.

Rev John Ker 1750-1830, Ardstraw neighbour
He was born in the county of Tyrone in 1750. He was converted to God by the Methodist Ministry, when about 20 years of age; and shortly after began to call sinners to repentance. In the year 1782, he was approved as a Preacher by Mr Wesley, and appointed to a Circuit. He travelled for 20 years with general acceptance and usefulness. In the year 1802, he was appointed our Book Steward, which situation he filled for 12 years, and discharged its duties with diligence and fidelity. In the year 1814, he became a supernumerary. He had a strong understanding; he was well acquainted with the word of God, and the writings of the founder of Methodism; an his sermons generally discovered an intimate acquaintance with the human heart, and with the way of salvation as revealed in the Gospel. He was a judicious Superintendent, a good preacher, a steady friend. During the last 16 years of his life he suffered much; and when unable to stand he frequently preached sitting. he finished his course, happy in God, in the month of May 1830, aged 80 years.

Rev John Ker 1804-1890 and Rev Robert Ker 1836-1904
Awaiting their obituaries.
However Rev John was stationed at Newtonstewart in 1826,1828 and 1829 and
Rev Robert was there in 1879-80 and 1890-2 and as Supernumerary in 1895-1900

Rev Robert Mowbray Ker 1872-1926
Born at Newtonbutler December 15 1872 a son of the late Rev Robert Ker, he owed much to the gracious saintliness of his parents. Whilst a boy at the Methodist College, he contracted a serious illness, and for months his life was despaired of. It was whilst listening to his mother prying in an adjacent room for his recovery that he was led to choose Christ ad his saviour. Soon the conviction that this life so unexpectedly given back must be devoted to the service of Christ, deepened into certainty. And when his strength was restored he began to prepare himself for the Christian Ministry. Accepted in 1894, he was sent as a supply to Clonakilty, where his work was greatly esteemed. In 1895 he became a student at the Methodist College, and in the following year he was appointed to Donacloney, in the Moira Circuit. Two years later he found the real sphere of his work in the Belfast Central Mission. At once he gave indications of his possession of those gifts which inn subsequent years made him such a power in the service of God and man. In 1904, at a very early age, he succeeded the Rev. R Crawford Johnston, D.D., as the superintendent of the mission, and thereafter with consummate skill and rare devotion, he developed and guided its work. He was secretary of the Methodist Church in Ireland from 1922 till 1926, when by an almost unanimous vote, he was elected vice president. He was wise in counsel and prudent in action. With gifts of heart as marked as those of mind, he was tender and sympathetic in his relations with his fellows, and especially with baffled and sinful men. He was sat his best when dealing with hearts crushed by sorrow. Solicitous for all in need, the care of the destitute and orphan children was his chief delight. As a preacher he was intensely evangelical. The characteristic notes of his preaching were an insistence on the sufficiency of Jesus Christ to meet all life’s problems, a sympathetic understanding of men’s difficulties, and a wistful tender appeal. He became seriously ill after a Presidential visit to Cork. A week later this brave soldier and valiant leader passed into the immediate presence of his King on October 27 1926, in the fifty-fourth year of his age and the thirty-second of his ministry

Extracts which follow are from:-
"Days of Revival - History of Methodism in Ireland"
by C. H. Crookshank

Vol 1 1747-1770 (1768 chapter 19)
One of the preachers on the Augher Circuit, most likely John Smith, stopped at Magheralough near Derg Bridge - now called Castlederg - at which he ministered the word of life. Amongst those converted was Mrs Margaret Johnston, of Lisleen, who was for several years a "Mother in Israel." The Methodist chapel now in use occupies a site close to where her residence stood.

Lisleen Church

On one occasion John Smith preached in the open at Drumquin, and at the close of the service inquired if any person was willing to receive him and afford an opportunity of proclaiming the glad tidings of salvation. Amongst his hearers were a Mr & Mrs Smith, who invited him to their dwelling at Cavandarragh. The invitation was gladly accepted, and led to the conversion of both host & hostess, who became members of the Society. Mrs Smith was a woman of deep piety, and for many years enjoyed the blessing of perfect love. Her two sons, Robert & James, entered the itinerancy and were useful preachers.