One27 Blog

Past Revivals in Kentucky

Asbury Revival, 1970, Wilmore, KY

One morning in 1970, without warning, all heaven broke loose during Asbury College’s 10am chapel service.

“When you walked into the back of Hughes Auditorium . . . there was a kind of aura, a kind of glow about the chapel,” said Dr. David Hunt, a Louisville physician, who was then a student.

“I always have been reminded of the verse, “Take off your shoes, for you are standing on holy ground.” You just walked in and sensed that God had indeed sent His Spirit.

The service, a routine meeting, was scheduled for 50 minutes. Instead, it lasted 185 hours, non-stop, 24 hours a day. Intermittently, it continued for weeks. Ultimately, it spread across the United States and into foreign countries. Some say it is being felt even today.

Cane Ridge

Somewhere between 1800-1801, in the upper part of Kentucky, at a memorable place call “Cane Ridge,” there was appointed a sacramental meeting by some of the Presbyterian ministers. At this meeting, the power of God was displayed in a very unexpected, extraordinary manner. Many were moved to tears, with bitter and loud cries for mercy.

The meeting was protracted for weeks; ministers of almost all denominations flocked in from far and near. Thousands came on foot, horseback, and by wagon, to this day and night meeting. At times, there were in attendance from twelve to twenty-five thousand people. Hundreds fell prostrate under the mighty power of God, as men slain in battle.

Stands were erected in the woods from which preachers of different churches proclaimed repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. It was not unusual for numerous preachers to be addressing the listening thousands at the same time from different erected stands. A heavenly fire spread in almost every direction. It is told that between one and two thousands souls were converted to God during the meeting. At times more than one thousand persons broke into loud shouting all at once, and the shouts could be heard for miles around.

News spread through all the churches and land, generating great wonder and surprise. It kindled a religious flame that spread all over Kentucky, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and other parts of this nation. This first camp meeting inspired the many “revival” camp meetings that have been held ever since.

Creating a prayer culture!

-Robby Atwood

Submitted 01/08/2009