Wales is currently celebrating the centenary of the great religious revival of 1904-5 which started in Loughor, near Swansea, and swept through the country. Its most prominent leader was Evan Roberts, a 26-year-old former miner and blacksmith.

The revival had such an impact on people's lives that public houses had to close and gambling syndicates went out of business. Hymn singing would take place during work breaks in the coal pits--and folklore has it that the pit ponies stopped responding to orders, because they were unused to them being delivered without swear-words.

Ripples of the revival were felt as far away as North-East India. Among those taking part in the centenary celebrations last year were a group from the Hmar tribe of Mizoram, who had abandoned headhunting after being visited in 1910 by Watkin Roberts, one of those converted in the revival.

PAUL WILLIAMS IN WALES

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