The Methodist Revival Continuation

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Extracts which follow are from:-

"50 Years an Itinerant Preacher" by Rev Alexander Fullerton 

Rev Mr Fullerton's arrival to take up duties as a minister in Castlederg

Castlederg 1869. In response to a cordial invitation I went to Castlederg in the year 1869 and entered upon a three years’ course of incessant labour, including driving, walking, pastoral visitation, pulpit and behind-the-chair ministrations, in farm houses and chapel buildings. Those were the busiest years of my life and thank God they were years of spiritual prosperity. Our people from all over the country were well-to-do and kindly. The Revival of 1859 left a rich harvest, in which most of the Churches were sharers. My first appearance here was unpretending. I drove my own pony from Cavan, right through Irvinestown, and over the mountain. I had in a bag in the back of the trap, a real orange cat, and a little music by the way. The wife and family travelled by rail to Victoria Bridge and on by car. I fished up the key to the manse, and with the aid of a few scattered bits of turf managed a fire on the hearth in the kitchen. It was not an inspiring beginning, but as the old preacher said one day, when the rain came down heavily, “It’s all in the bargain.” On my way to Castlederg, I stopped overnight with Mr Caldwell, at Knockdoo.I was pleased to meet his son Henry, who lives in the old home, at the Conference as a representative.

The Conversion of the Smiths of Magheralough

With regard to the Castlederg area there are very good records outlining Wesley’s visits and the development of Methodism in this area. It was in 1768 when one of Wesley’s preachers Mr John Smith from the Augher circuit preached at Magheralough outside Dergbridge (Castlederg) and amongst those who were greatly stirred was Mrs Margaret Johnston of Lisleen. He also preached in the open air at Drumquin and at the close of the meeting he enquired if there was anyone who would receive him and give him the opportunity to share the Gospel with them. Mr and Mrs Smith invited him to their home at Magheralough. This invitation led to their conversion and they became members of the little society at Cavandarragh. Later their two sons, Robert and James, entered the iitinerancy of the Methodist movement. During the year 1771
John Wesley preached at Smith’s yard at Magheralough and Mrs. Brown of Creevy and her two sons, George and Hugh were converted. They were to have a profound influence on Margaret Johnston of Lisleen which led to her conversion. Mrs .Johnston opened her home for the worship of God and the hospitality of His servants. John Wesley himself preached there and referred to her in his journal as “ the shining light, that shineth more unto the perfect day” and as a “mother in Israel” In 1789 a Methodist Church was built on the ground where her cottage stood.

Cavandarragh or Drumclamph

From far back Drumclamph was considered as a school of the prophets, because so many preachers came from this historic spot. It was not far from this place that John McArthur, father of Sir William, and the Rev McArthur came. I used to hear of him and often Drumclamph brings up names of men and women of piety. Mr RH Moore, Mr John Scott and his mother, one of the old school, Mr Matthew Smith and also Mr Moore of Magheralough, father of Rev Hugh Moore of Rathdrum, who lived to a grand old age. He was a man of great force and character and had the respect of all who knew him. – and his wife was a truly devout woman of superior culture. Their son Willie was a fine wee lad. I used to lift him up and place him on the chair at the dinner table. I would not undertake that lift now as he has got far beyond the leverage of my arms. Rev William Moor of Ballymena, whose ministry is so appreciated will recognise this picture of early life, and to him there will be resurrected memories of a happy home. John Scott was a gentlemanly man, outspoken in heart and action, and of splendid physique.
Mrs Scott was a nice ladylike person and always greeted the preacher with a smile of welcome.

Lisleen Revival

Before passing on to Lisleen - that historic shrine -   I must record a scene in connection with ’59 Revival, which was told to me by the parties concerned. Mr Robert Johnston had a public-house in Killen. His wife got converted, and when she returned from the meeting she came to her husband, who had gone to bed, and pulling him out she said "Robert dear, pray God to have mercy on you. I have got converted.” It was rough handling, but the Kingdom of God suffereth violence and the violent take it by force Robert sought and obtained mercy, and became a power in the church. The next morning the signboard was pulled down, and with a triumphant smash, the whisky barrels were rolled into the front street and the heads knocked in, and the fire-water had a practical illustration of “ Not to be consumed on the premises.” Mr Robert Johnston held the office of circuit steward during a part of my term. He and his wife were a noble couple, and I held a service in their house every month. The closing of the public house so quickly accomplished,  made a wonderful impression.

Mrs.Johnston opened her home for the worship of God and the hospitality of His servants. John Wesley himself preached there and referred to her in his journal as “ the shining light, that shineth more unto the perfect day” and as a “mother in Israel” In 1789 a Methodist Church was built on the ground where her cottage stood.

Rev Mr Hugh Moore

The Rev Hugh Moore lived with an uncle, who had a valuable farm, which he was anxious that the nephew should have and  manage, but Hugh followed the divine call and entered the ministry in the year 1866, and few men laboured with more unselfish zeal in the Master’s work, or were more acceptable on their Circuits. For several years he was voted by his brethren into the chair of Enniskillen Synod, a position of trust which he faithfully maintained. He was finally in charge of Rathdrum, Co.Wicklow, where his labours were much appreciated

Other Ministers from the Area

I think of other names on this important circuit – Mr Thomas Roulston and his wife; I remember the day that I performed the marriage ceremony; Mr Sam Smith, of Glenglush, and his brother Robert & family. Sometimes the virtue of patience, which has been described as the power of lighting one’s own fire, is not fully developed in ministers. It was so with the writer. I was constructing the Sunday service in Castlederg. When the sermon part was reached , a good man who occupied the front pew, went quietly to sleep and this was his habit. It bothered me and I said “ Brother Love, do try to keep awake”   After the service he explained his domestic cares, and how he was nursing a sick brother, and got so little rest at night. I was sorry, even humbled, and felt as if  I could cut a bit off the length of the unruly member

 The Rev Hugh T Roulston came from this Circuit. He was an only son, and his father would fain have kept him at home for he needed him. I often felt for the old man and his wife in their loneliness. Mr Roulston served his church well, and he too was chairman of Enniskillen Synod. He died in the prime of life in Moville. His widow, who was Miss Murphy, of Drumsherriff, now resides in Dungannon, and the family have been successful in the battle of life

Re-opening of Cavandarragh Church 1980

Cavandarragh Church, on the Castlederg circuit, was packed to capacity on Friday 14^th November 1980, for a re-opening service after major repairs to the building. The service was conducted by the minister Rev. John Brookes

The church was painted voluntarily by members of the congregation. Several items of furniture were donated by members. The total cost of the outlay was in excess of £9000, and with a grant of £1800 from the Rank Trust, this small society was able to open the church free of debt, the remainder of the money having been raised locally

Methodism in Cavandarragh started in 1768, with a visit to the area of an itinerant preacher called John Smith. For several years services were held in people’s homes, for a period in a local school-house and in a farmer’s barn. The present church was built in 1868

It is understand that a handful of local parishioners paid for this restoration

Cavandoragh was again refurbished with new Car Park, Kitchen etc and reopened in September 2005

Obituary to Minnie Smith 1874-1957

Deep sympathy is extended to Mrs. J Donaldson, Clareborne, Armagh on the death of her mother Mrs Mary Stewart Smith of Magheralough, Castlederg. Mrs Smith who had reached the advanced age of 82, died rather suddenly. Her husband Mr Thomas Smith died some 20 years ago. Mrs Smith, a staunch member of the Methodist Church all her long life, also leaves 3 sons  - Messrs Andrew and Joseph Castlederg, and Mr John Smith, New Zealand. Another daughter, Mrs E. Davies, also lives at Castlederg. The Rev. W.E. Morley Thompson, Armagh Methodist Church, assisted the Rev. Keys, Castlederg, at a service in the home and with the Evangelist of Castlederg, Mr Bagnell, assisted at the graveside.


1929 Foreign Missionary meeting at Cavandoragh Church - my mother Lily Smith was playing the organ and her cousin Selina Smith and neighbours Howard and Grace Neilands attended - also Martha Humphrey, Alice Scott, Violet and W Johnston, Mary and M McMullan, E Gilchrist , M Carson, W Forbes and W Johnston.

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