Evan Roberts: The Face of the Welsh Revival
Evan Roberts: The Face of the Welsh Revival
Evan Roberts (June 8, 1878 – September 29, 1951) was a Welsh coal miner and lay preacher who became a central figure in the Welsh Revival of 1904–1905. His passionate faith, fervent prayers, and unyielding dedication to God helped spark one of the most significant spiritual awakenings in modern history.

Early Life
- Born: June 8, 1878, in Loughor, Wales.
- Evan Roberts grew up in a devout Christian family and regularly attended Moriah Chapel, where he cultivated a deep commitment to prayer and the study of Scripture.
- He left school at 11 to work as a coal miner, where he carried a Bible with him underground, often reading during breaks.
- In his early 20s, Roberts felt a strong call to full-time ministry and began studying for the ministry at Newcastle Emlyn.
The Call to Revival
- Evan Roberts experienced a powerful spiritual encounter in 1904. He claimed to have heard the voice of God calling him to lead Wales into revival.
- He often prayed fervently, sometimes for hours or even days, seeking a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
- Roberts believed that the key to revival was simple yet profound:
- Confess all known sin.
- Remove anything doubtful in your life.
- Be fully obedient to the Holy Spirit.
- Publicly confess Christ.

The Welsh Revival (1904–1905)
- The revival began with a small group meeting at Moriah Chapel in Loughor, where Roberts delivered heartfelt messages about repentance, unity, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
- The meetings quickly grew, drawing thousands of people as news of miraculous conversions and spiritual transformations spread across Wales.
- Revival meetings were characterized by:
- Spontaneous prayer.
- Emotional confessions of sin.
- Fervent singing of Welsh hymns, including “Here Is Love Vast As the Ocean.”
- A deep sense of God’s presence and power.
Impact of the Revival
- Over 100,000 people were converted within a year, revitalizing churches and transforming communities across Wales.
- Crime rates plummeted, taverns emptied, and relationships were restored.
- The revival sparked similar movements in the United States, Africa, India, and Korea, influencing the global spread of Christianity.
Challenges and Later Years
- The intensity of the revival took a toll on Evan Roberts’ physical and emotional health. By 1906, he withdrew from public ministry due to exhaustion and criticism.
- He spent much of his later life in relative seclusion, focusing on prayer and writing.
- Despite his withdrawal, Roberts’ influence on the Welsh Revival left a lasting spiritual legacy.
Death and Legacy
- Died: September 29, 1951, in Cardiff, Wales.
- Evan Roberts is remembered as a humble and obedient servant of God whose unwavering faith ignited a movement that transformed lives and communities.
- His story continues to inspire believers to seek revival, prioritize prayer, and live fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit.
Key Lessons from Evan Roberts’ Life
- The Power of Prayer: A life dedicated to prayer can bring about profound spiritual change.
- Faithful Obedience: Even small acts of obedience to God’s calling can have far-reaching impacts.
- Youth Empowerment: Roberts’ leadership as a young adult highlights the role of young people in spiritual movements.
Evan Roberts’ life is a testament to what God can accomplish through a heart fully surrendered to Him.