Background of James Caughey’s Ministry
This revival account chronicles numerous revivals under the leadership of the American Methodist evangelist, James Caughey, with a specific focus on those that transpired in the latter years of his life, culminating in his retirement. While we have previously documented his earlier revivals, we strongly encourage reading these narratives in chronological order to acquire a comprehensive perspective on the entirety of this man’s impactful ministry.
► 1827-1841 New York & Canada Revivals
► 1841 Ireland Revivals
► 1842 Liverpool England Revival
► 1843 Leeds, England Revival
► 1843 Hull, England Revival
► 1844 Sheffield, England Revival
► 1844 Huddersfield, England Revival

Evangelist James Caughey

Over 20,000 Souls Saved
On July 20, 1847, James Caughey bid farewell to Liverpool, England, concluding seven years of impactful ministry across Ireland and England. During his time in Europe, his fervent preaching and unwavering dedication led to the conversion of over 20,000 souls to Christ.

Upon his return to America, Caughey devoted his summers to writing in Burlington, Vermont. The winter months saw him actively ministering in New York City, Albany, Providence, and Lowell, while also conducting revival services in Ontario, Canada.

With limited information available, we present here a summary of his final revivals.

Chestnut Street Methodist Church, Providence, Rhode Island

Providence, Rhode Island Revival
At an unknown date following his return to America in 1847, James Caughey was found in Providence, Rhode Island, conducting a revival at the Chestnut Street Methodist church. The following are highlights of that revival.

• The church was known as being spiritually in a low state.
• Initially, only a few were seriously interested in pursuing revival.
• Even fewer were ready to engage in the work for the salvation of souls.
• The meagre few who were interested in revival began praying for it.
• Upon Caughey’s arrival in the city, interest and desire awoke among many more.
• Preaching took place every night of the week, except Monday and Saturday evenings. Caughey also preached four times during the week in the afternoons.
• Through Caughey’s preaching, a large number began to feel convicted of their spiritual condition.
• There was a time of great heart-searching.
• In less than two weeks of ministry, a large number of believers were then infused with a revival spirit.
• Caughey’s preaching then turned toward the unconverted.
• The preaching produced a powerful effect, and there was rarely a night when conversions were not occurring. On some nights, the altar, at which about 35 could comfortably kneel, was crowded with penitent sinners seeking mercy.
• The majority of those converted were middle-aged and youth.
• Some of the hardest-hearted people were converted, including atheists, Universalists, skeptics, etc.
• Baptist and Congregationalist church members also received tremendous blessings through this revival.
• A large number of backsliders came back to the Lord.

1851 Toronto, Canada Revival
From November 1851 to July 1852, a revival occurred at the Richmond Street Methodist church in Toronto. With Caughey preaching seven sermons a week, this revival increased the membership of Wesleyan Methodist churches from 714 to 1,537. This surge in membership also prompted the construction of a new Methodist church on Elm Street. With approximately 2,000 conversions reported during this revival, not only did Methodists benefit, but other churches also experienced positive impacts from this revival.

Sydenham Street Methodist Church, Kingston, Canada

1852 Kingston, Canada Revival
In the fall of 1852, Caughey held four months of revival services in Kingston, resulting in “unprecedented rates” of growth in both the Methodist and Baptist churches. He concluded his ministry in Kingston on March 13, 1853, with almost 400 conversions being recorded.

1853 Hamilton, Canada Revival
In March 1853, Caughey was in Hamilton, investing three months of ministry, resulting in doubling the church’s membership.

1853 Montreal, Canada Revival
In the fall of 1853, Caughey conducted services in Montreal.

1854-1855: London, Canada Revival
During the fall and winter of 1854-1855, Caughey conducted ministry in London.

1855 Belleville, Canada Revival
In December of 1855, Caughey completed his last revival service in the city of Belleville.

1856 Brockville, Canada Revival
Though not as successful as other revival services, Caughey ministered in Brockville in the winter of 1856.

American and Canadian locations mentioned in this account

1857-1865 Britain Ministry and Retirement
In 1857, at the age of 47, Caughey returned to Britain and remained two years. He made two additional trips to Britain, in August 1862 and during the mid-1860s. With his health giving way, he retired to Highland Park, New Jersey, after 35 years of itinerating as a revivalist. He passed away at age 80 on January 30, 1891.

Primary Sources
► Dictionary of Canadian Biography; Caughey, James by Peter Bush
► Dictionary of Evangelical Biography 1730-1860; Caughey, James by Richard John Carwardine
► Earnest Christianity by James Caughey
► Methodism in Earnest: The History of a Revival in Great Britain, in Which 20,000 Souls Professed Faith in Christ, and 10,000 Professed Sanctification by James Caughey

Secondary Sources
► Arrows from My Quiver by James Caughey
► Glimpses of Life in Soul-Saving by James Caughey
► Helps to a Life of Holiness and Usefulness by James Caughey
► Letters on Various Subjects by James Caughey
► Sermons & Devotionals by James Caughey by bibleportal.com
► Showers of Blessing from Clouds of Mercy by James Caughey
► The Life of General William Booth by Harold Begbie
► The Standing Doubt by James Caughey
► The Teachings of Holy Scriptures on Some Points in the Doctrines of Repentance, Faith, and Prayer by James Caughey
► The Triumph of Truth by James Caughey

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