Horatio Gates Spafford: A Life of Faith and Service
Trailblazing Lawyer and Church Elder
William Edward Horatio Spafford (1828-1888) was a prominent American lawyer and Presbyterian church elder. Born in Troy, New York, Spafford established a successful legal practice in Chicago.
American Colony in Jerusalem
Spafford's unwavering faith led him to contribute financially to the establishment of the American Colony in Jerusalem in 1871. This Christian utopian community sought to promote peace and understanding in the Holy Land.
Tragedy and Redemption
In 1873, tragedy struck when Spafford's family was involved in a shipwreck while traveling to Europe. While his four daughters perished, Spafford and his wife, Anna, survived. Devastated by the loss, Spafford penned the beloved hymn "It Is Well with My Soul.
Later Life and Legacy
Spafford and Anna continued to serve in Jerusalem, providing medical aid and education to the local community. After Horatio's death from malaria in 1888, Anna carried on his legacy, working in the surrounding areas until her passing in 1923.
Spreading the Gospel and Serving the Needy
Horatio Spafford's life was marked by his unwavering faith, his dedication to spreading the gospel, and his compassionate service to those in need. Through his work with the American Colony in Jerusalem, he left a lasting impact on the city and its people.
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