The Great Revival

By Fran Simmons | July 21, 2016

In 1919, the Great War had ended. A spirit of victory swept across our country. The price for peace had been high.

E. Floyd Olive, who had pastored Liberty Baptist while America was at war, was committing himself to full-time evangelism, but in 1922 Liberty invited him to hold the Revival service.

The Revival lasted ten days. God richly poured out his Spirit as 40 new converts testify to the fact. The baptismal services were divided into two meetings. Both were held at Fowler’s Ford. This is the creek that we cross on County Road 8 going east toward Cloverdale. At that time, no bridge crossed the creek, so travelers had to “ford” the creek. Many of our long-standing members were either saved or present during this great revival.

It must have been a splendid day in October of 1922 to see God move in such a mighty way. I have stopped at Fowler’s Ford quite often to try and envision the baptismal services of 1922. There by the flowing water you can almost hear them singing, “Shall We Gather at the River.”

In 1923 E. Floyd Olive conducted another revival. Again, God poured out His mighty Spirit as 23 professions of faith were made and two were added by letter.

After 65 additions in only one year, it should come as no surprise that Bro. Olive lead the church to add on to the building. An extension of 20 x 46 feet was added.

E. Floyd Olive would be proud to know that Liberty Baptist now has a specified prayer room. By the end of his first great revival he preached a series of messages on the “Power of Prayer.”

In the following years, E. Floyd Olive was called by Liberty many times to lead revival services. It is reported that Bro. Olive lead a total of 14 revival services between 1918 and 1948 at Liberty.

151 people are reported to have made professions of faith, may additions by letter, and others surrendered to the Gospel Ministry under his preaching.

Revival at Threet’s Crossroads had a tremendous impact on our community. Often times, farmers who would worry about their dry crops looked forward to revival time at the crossroads. It was said, “the heavens would open and showers of blessings would fall during revival at Liberty Meeting House.” Not only did the local crops find a soothing drop of water, but countless people have taken the drink that satisfies the thirst of the soul.

Following the Great Revival, a state worker came to Liberty to assist Mrs. Nell Dulin Malone on the organization of a B. Y. P. U. came over present Training Union which teaches all ages the importance of growing in Christ.