Ayr (1908)



Adjutant Boyce arrived in November 1907, and revival began almost immediately, going on for at least a year. This was an important revival with almost whole streets coming to the Lord. The events were closely covered by 'the Warcry,' but as part of the Salvation Army one should probably expect a little exaggeration.

The Warcry reports.

'And what are the congregations like? Just the class the Army delights to see in its Halls. Blear-eyed men, with drink-sodden features, across which criminal instincts have written themselves large, and against whom conviction after conviction is recorded in the police-books near-by. Ragged men, unwanted men, evil men, whose very presence is a pain, and whose inner natures are, by long abandon to sinful lusts, infinitely worse than outside stains indicate. Others are regular workers, but unable to pass a pub with a penny in their possession, and, consequently, very poor. Yet, again, there are others, well clad, thrifty people, but hardened in the ways of the world, and not easy to move in ordinary meetings. … Scores of men of each of these, as well as other types, have knelt side by side at the mercy-seat, where God has saved them, and not only is there now the little bit of Army ribbon on their coats, but there is a new look in their eyes, happiness is not conspicuous by its absence from their tread, a stirring testimony on their tongues, and an open-mouthed wonder on the part of their old associates. Equally striking are the changes wrought among the women, a large number of whom are included in the converts, though men predominate. Bareheaded factory lasses, hard-headed housewives, ragged drunkards, and well-clothed respectable mothers, smartly-dressed young women, and small girls with bare feet have been so anxious to find mercy as to throw themselves down at the penitent-form, without regard to reprobate at one side or respectability at the other.'

There was not much unity amongst the churches, but it seems that the Salvation Army was responsible for this as they did not want any help from outside their organisation.

For more information see, ‘Glory in the Glen,’ by Tom Lennie published by Christian Focus Publications, p144-54.

Additional Information

The marker is close to the spot, but I do not know if the building still exists.


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