Amongst other indications of good in this town, Richard Weaver, a converted collier, has been holding several services for exhortation and prayer. On Sabbath, 27th ult., he preached twice at the Concert Hall, in the evening, to a crowded congregation. Although the notice for these services was short and scanty, there was a numerous and most attentive congregation and many penitents. What is remarkable about this movement is, that he is not the representative of any sect or party, and preaches the gospel only for the love of the work. Without any pretensions to systematic preaching, or even a common education, his word is attended with great power, and in some parts of the country great numbers have believed through his simple testimony. There is a great thirst amongst the operative and industrial classes in this town for the Word of Life, and thousands who seem to shun the regular places of worship are easily collected together (in public places) and listen most attentively to the gospel message. A united meeting of ministers has decided upon establishing a weekly union-revival prayer-meeting; but excellent as this step is, many feel that it alone will by no means be adequate to the want of the times in this immense population. The labours of devoted town missionaries and others have for some time been taking hold of the minds of the humbler classes, and multitudes appear ready and waiting for a further work. Indications of good appear on every hand.
From 'The Revival Newspaper,' Volume i, p156
On Sunday evening, October 20, Mr Radcliffe held another special service in the concert hall, Lord Nelson Street, which was filled to overflowing. Half an hour before the time and dance for the commencement of the service the hall was comfortably full. Mr Radcliffe came forward and suggested that a prayer meeting should be conducted for half an hour, which was carried out and the time very profitably occupied. The service was of the summer. In the course of his address Mr Radcliffe read a notice to the effect that the committee had been forward for the conducting of special services in Liverpool that they had already arranged for holding services every Thursday evening in Hope Hall and every Sunday evening in the Concert Hall. Mr Radcliffe impressed strongly upon his hearers the necessity of supporting this movement and of opening more halls or rooms if halls were not to be had, on the Sunday evening. He said rooms were required in the South End and in the North End; also in Birkenhead. There was great need of labourers, however. Mr Radcliffe, after some more remarks of this kind, desired some of his Christian bretheren to leave the hall and after engaging for five minutes in prayer, to go out into the streets adjacent, preach to the people and invite all to come back with them to the Concert Hall. Upwards of a dozen persons obeyed the call. Mr Radcliffe then proceeded with his address. While the congregation was singing a hymn, the sound of many voices were heard in the street; gradually they came nearer; and Mr Radcliffe announced that his friends were returning. They came into the hall followed by crowds of the lowest outcasts of both sexes, with whom the neighbourhood teems and the congregation in the hall took up the hymn that they were singing. The scene was very impressive. We cannot doubt that much good has been done in Liverpool owing to the services and the gentleman who at much pains and expense, conduct these 'Labours of love" have our best wishes and most cordial support.
A correspondent writes us dated November 1: – special meetings have been confirmed in the Concert Hall, Hope Hall, and Teutonic Hall. They have been largely attended, chiefly by the working classes and we can thankfully say that God has been present to bless, many precious souls having been enabled to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Persons hitherto callous have been awakened and in some instances converted, while many who have been long seeking the saviour are full of joy and peace in believing. I know of one family alone consisting of seven persons and all have got blessing at these meetings.
From, "The Revival", Volume v, 9th November 1861.