Who Was Smith Wigglesworth?

Who was Smith Wigglesworth? By Tyrone Singh

Smith Wigglesworth (1859–1947) was one of the most prominent and respected evangelists of the twentieth century. A man of simple background but extraordinary faith, he became known around the world for his bold preaching, his unwavering confidence in God’s Word, and the mighty miracles that followed his ministry.

His life continues to inspire believers everywhere to trust in the miraculous power and loving intervention of a caring God.

Smith Wigglesworth was saved at the age of eight through the prayers of his Methodist grandmother. Even as a young boy, the fire of evangelism was already burning in his heart. In fact, his first convert was his own mother. Later, at the age of sixteen, he encountered William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, and this further shaped his passion for reaching souls.

He was a true evangelist. It is said that he led hundreds to Christ each month simply by witnessing, sharing God’s Word, and pointing people to salvation through Jesus Christ.

Smith and his wife, Polly—whose full name was Mary Jane—met while serving with the Salvation Army. At first, they never imagined their ministry would go beyond their local community in Bradford, England. Polly often preached, while Smith worked closely with new converts, meeting them at the altar and leading them to Christ. Together, they were a powerful team.

In 1907, Smith Wigglesworth was baptised in the Holy Spirit in Sunderland, England, under the ministry of Alexander and Mary Boddy, who had connections to the Welsh Revival. Though he had little formal education, his boldness, simplicity, and absolute confidence in God deeply impacted many lives.

One major turning point in his life came when he was healed of a ruptured appendix. This healing marked him deeply, and he came to believe that God had given him a special gift to minister healing to others suffering from similar conditions. Over time, his ministry became widely known for healings, miracles, and even reports of the dead being raised.

One of the most moving moments in his life came when his beloved wife, Polly, died of heart failure. Smith commanded her to live, and she came back to life. Yet as he held her in his arms, she told him that the Lord wanted to receive her and that she wanted to go home. Smith then kissed her and released her into the presence of the Lord. It was a moment of deep love, surrender, and spiritual maturity.

From that point on, his ministry carried remarkable power. He became completely given to the work of the Lord. He travelled to America, where many were deeply impacted by his preaching and the evident grace and power of God upon his life. Pentecostals in the United States warmly embraced him, and he quickly became one of the most loved evangelists of his day.

He also travelled across many continents, often accompanied by his daughter Alice, carrying a message of faith, healing, and the supernatural power of God.

Wigglesworth was fearless in ministering to the sick. He welcomed situations that seemed impossible, because he believed nothing was too hard for God. In Sweden, where the police forbade him from laying hands on people, he simply told the crowds to lay hands on themselves and believe God for healing. As a result, hundreds were healed.

He continued preaching well into his eighties and is remembered as a man who stirred believers of many backgrounds to trust God more fully.

On March 12, 1947, just short of his eighty-eighth birthday, Smith Wigglesworth went home to be with the Lord.

A PERSONAL REFLECTION

What stands out to me most about Smith Wigglesworth is his childlike faith in the Word of God.

He was not known for polished education or eloquent theology. He was known for believing God.

He lived with a deep conviction that God’s Word was true, that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that nothing is impossible with God.

His life reminds me that faith does not have to be complicated. God is still looking for men and women who will take Him at His Word, step out boldly, and believe Him for the impossible.

PRAYER

Father,
Thank You for the life and testimony of Smith Wigglesworth. Thank You for the bold faith, the passion for souls, and the hunger for Your power that marked his life.

Lord, stir that same kind of faith in me.
Help me to believe Your Word without doubt, to trust You in impossible situations, and to walk in holy boldness.

Let my life be marked by surrender, simplicity, and confidence in Your promises.
Use me to bring healing to the sick, hope to the broken, and salvation to the lost.

Holy Spirit, make me sensitive to Your voice and ready to obey You at all times.
Take away fear, unbelief, and hesitation, and fill me with fresh fire.

May my life bring glory to Jesus and point many people to Him.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.