The first public reference to the 1904 revival in Wales was made in the following paragraph, which appeared in the “Western Mail” on November 10

A WONDERFUL PREACHER.

GREAT CROWDS OF PEOPLE DRAWN TO LOUGHOR.

CONGREGATION STAY TILL HALF PAST TWO IN THE MORNING.

A remarkable religious revival is now taking place at Loughor. For some days a young man named Evan Roberts, a native of Loughor, but at present a student at Newcastle-Emlyn, has been causing great surprise by his extraordinary orations at Moriah Chapel, that place of worship having been besieged by dense crowds of people unable to obtain admission. Such excitement has prevailed that the road in which the chapel is situated has been lined with people from end to end.

Roberts, who speaks In Welsh, opens his discourse by saying he does not know what he (will be led) to say, but that when he is in complete harmony with the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit (will lead) and he will be simply the medium of His wisdom. The preacher soon after launches out into a fervent and at times impassioned oration. His statements have most stirring effects upon his listeners, many who have disbelieved Christianity for years again returning to the fold of their younger days. One night so great was the enthusiasm invoked by the young revivalist that after a sermon lasting two hours the vast congregation remained praying and singing until half-past two o’clock next morning. Shopkeepers are closing earlier in order to get a place in the chapel, and tin and steel workers throng the place in their working clothes. The only theme of conversation among all classes and sects is “Evan Roberts.” Even the taprooms of the public-houses are given over to discussion on the origin of the powers possessed by him. Although barely in his majority, Roberts is enabled to attract the people for many miles around.

This remarkable message indicated such an unusual state of religious fervour that the'Western Mail' despatched a special correspondent to Loughor to make inquiries, and his vivid report showed that the long-expected revival had really arrived. The special correspondents will now tell their own stories.