William Raws
William Raws
William Raws founded the historic Whosoever Gospel Mission in Germantown, Philadelphia in 1892. His vision was to help equip homeless men with proper skills and resources to receive employment.
In 1897, Raws also founded the Keswick Colony of Mercy in New Jersey with just $1.87. Raws' missions were one of the first alcoholic rehabilitation facilities in North America. As a former alcoholic himself, he recognized that “the need of the alcoholic is not sobriety, but salvation.”
Raws stressed that men needed time to grow in Jesus and being away from the city environment helped in their salvation. He also believed in the power of men growing and living together as a means of support and accountability.
The Colony of Mercy still specializes in addiction recovery notably alcohol, drug, gambling, tobacco, and sexual addictions.
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