The Legacy of 1904:

Neath's Mission hall and the revival that shaped a nation

NEATH, WALES — Nestled in the heart of Neath stands a building whose walls echo with the hymns, hopes, and heartbreaks of a bygone era. The Mission Hall, a striking example of Arts and Crafts architecture, remains the last of its kind in Wales — a church built not to resemble a church, but a music hall. Its purpose was clear: to house the presence of God while welcoming the community for concerts, meetings, and spiritual gatherings.

But the Mission Hall is more than bricks and beams. It is the living legacy of Frank Joshua, an 18-year-old evangelist who arrived in Neath with nothing but a beer crate and a burning desire to preach the gospel. Known for its rough reputation, Neath was no easy mission field. Yet Frank’s courage was unwavering. Singing “Oh where is my wandering boy tonight” on the streets, he led 300 souls to salvation on his very first day.

“He got off the train at Neath, picked up a beer crate and started to sing ‘Oh where is my wandering boy tonight’. That day Frank led 300 people to the Lord.”

As revival swept through the town, the humble tent used for gatherings could no longer contain the crowds. With donations from the people of Neath, Frank built the Lesser Hall in 1883. But even that proved too small. Financial constraints threatened the ministry’s future — until the Presbyterian Forward Movement stepped in. Not only was the Lesser Hall preserved, but construction began on a grander venue: the Mission Hall, with a capacity of 3,000. It was filled to the brim before the famed 1904 Welsh Revival had even begun.

Frank pastored the Mission Hall until his death in 1920, a man broken by the losses of World War I. His beloved men’s choir went off to war; only two returned. Frank stood at the station to greet every soldier — whether alive or in a coffin. His final public act was leading the Whitsun march in Neath from a wheelchair, his spirit unyielding, his hwyl undiminished.

After Frank’s passing, his brother Seth Joshua, a fellow evangelist and revivalist, took up the mantle. Though the years that followed were the hardest of his ministry, Seth’s impact endured. He passed away in 1925, leaving behind a legacy that helped shape the spiritual landscape of Wales.

Today, the Mission Hall remains open — a beacon of faith and history. The Lesser Hall, recently renovated, is once again alive with activity, echoing the revival spirit that first breathed life into its walls.

As Neath continues to grow and change, the legacy of 1904 lives on — not just in architecture, but in the hearts of those who walk through these historic halls.

“With a 3,000 people capacity it was full to the brim before the 1904 revival had even broken out.”

Church on the Move:

A Journey of Faith, Prophecy, and Perseverance

NEATH, WALES — What began as a quiet whisper in the heart of a worship leader has grown into a vibrant spiritual community that continues to thrive more than two decades later. Church on the Move, founded in June 1999 by John Powell, is a testament to the power of obedience, prophecy, and divine provision.

John Powell, known for his gentle demeanour and faithful service in a local congregation, was invited on a ministry trip to Africa. It was there, in a land far from home, that he received three prophetic words from three different people in three separate churches — all urging him to return to Wales and start a church. The message was clear, but daunting. One line struck him deeply: “I will hold you to account.”

“I will hold you to account.”

Though the call was intimidating, it wasn’t unexpected. John had received prophetic words for years about pastoring and leading a church. Now, the time had come. Upon returning to Neath, he found his home already filled with people eager to hear what God had spoken. And so, Church on the Move was born — with just 20 people gathered in John and Anne’s modest Welsh cottage.

After four weeks, the cottage could no longer contain the growing congregation. The church began meeting in various halls across town. During this season of transition, they remained nameless — until a chance conversation at a conference changed everything. A musician from a globally recognized church remarked, “It sounds like you're a church on the move to me.” The name stuck, and the identity was sealed.

Ten years into their journey, the church faced a sudden crisis. They were told they could no longer use the town hall for services, and within a week, they also lost their rented offices. Homeless and uncertain, they received an unexpected lifeline. A member of the historic Mission Hall heard of their situation and offered them temporary refuge.

Fifteen years later, Church on the Move is still there — not just surviving, but flourishing. The congregation has grown to love the old building, uncovering its rich history and believing that its best days are yet to come.

From prophetic beginnings to miraculous provision, Church on the Move continues to live up to its name — moving forward in faith, anchored in purpose, and rooted in the heart of Neath.