Trinity Presbyterian Church Omagh (1859)
June 7, 1859.—There have been several large meetings here since last Lord's day; and on the evening of that day, three very young men (converts from Derry) addressed the largest congregation I ever saw in the Old Meeting-house. They dwelt mainly on the necessity of fleeing from the wrath to come, the awfulness of eternal misery, the dreadful condition of the lost, &c. After the meeting, there were about twelve, under conviction of Sin, and anxious about salvation. This created much sensation: the ministers and others remained conversing and praying with them till near 11 o'clock; they then sent them away and requested any that were anxious for salvation to meet them on Monday morning, at ten o'clock. Some few felt very deeply and wept aloud. It was a touching scene. In the evening, the usual prayer-meeting was held in Mr Mitchell's Meeting-house, at eight o'clock, when it was crowded to excess with people both of the town and country. After it was broken up, above forty persons remained; they were spoken to mostly individually, and prayer was made for them, from time to time, that they might be led to joy and peace in believing. It was not until nearly twelve o'clock this meeting separated, what it was considered necessary to do so for rest and sleep. Taking all into account, everything has gone on happily. On Tuesday evening, the young converts from Derry again addressed a meeting in the Wesleyan Chapel and School-room. There were several in deep distress in the School-room, who were addressed by the preachers and friends. I was asked to pray, but, though I spoke loud, I could hardly hear my own voice. When I had offered prayer on behalf of those in distress, that the Lord might lead them, by his Holy Spirit, to the Saviour, to rest on Him as the Surety and Substitute, I took the earliest opportunity to make my way up to the chapel; when I got up, the services there were nearly closed; there were no individuals, apparently, in distress there, but they were requested, if there were any, to come next morning to the New Meeting-house, where there would be some to meet them, and give them counsel, and pray with them. There came a goodly number, and the meeting lasted from ten till half-past twelve o'clock. Our ministers are throwing themselves into the work with all their might. Last night the Meeting was in the New Meeting-house, which was crowded. The young converts were addressed from Eph. vi, on talking to them "the whole armour of God," as their only safeguard, and to enable them to keep on their way it was it very excellent word to them, and to us all. After the meeting was concluded, above thirty waited, and were conversed with by several friends and ministers. There was not the apparent distress as on previous occasions.
There is certainly a spirit of inquiry abroad about here, such as I never previously saw. What we much need, together with the Holy Spirit’s influence, is wisdom and understanding to deal with the individuals, and the difficulties to be met within the movement. We crave your prayers.
From ‘The Revival Newspaper,’ Volume i, p11, Aug 6th 1859.
Additional Information
This is the Mitchell's Meeting House mentioned below. The Old Meeting House was the old First Presbyterian Church building.