Page 1 - Good News October 2018 paper
P. 1
olgate is a household behind that name, we might
name; and upon hearing immediately think about Christ
Cthat name, most people and the path Colgate and Christ
immediately think of toothpaste. walked together.
But if we knew about the man
William Colgate drew his first
breath on 25 January 1783 in the
parish of Hollingbourn, in the
County of Kent, England.
William's father, Robert, was a
farmer by trade and was known
for a sharp intellect and strong
political convictions. The elder
Colgate's outspoken support for
the Colonies' struggle for
independence, both before and
during the Revolutionary War, W
William Colgateilliam Colgate
would eventually bring political
persecution from British authori- had remained in England, the become successful. So William
ties. God intervened and the messenger warned, he would struck out on his own, but within
family was startled awake in the certainly face prison or even one year the business failed from
middle of the night by someone death. But what worldly authori- lack of capital, and William
pounding on their front door. The ties meant for evil, God would Colgate had to close his doors.
Colgates had a friend in Prime eventually transform into good.
Minister William Pitt and he had Despite the two setbacks, William
sent his personal messenger to The family boarded a ship in Colgate would not give up - a
warn Robert Colgate to take his March 1798 and sailed for good lesson for anyone who has
family and flee England. If Colgate America. They settled on a farm in a God-given dream! God will still
Harford County, Maryland. Wil- direct your paths, if you acknow-
liam's father soon formed a ledge Him and commit your
partnership with Ralph Maher to business to Him in all your ways.
manufacture soap and candles. A Christian friend who worked as
Young William helped the two a canal-boat captain advised
men and caught on quickly. Colgate, “Give your heart to
Despite their hard work, the Christ. Give God all that belongs
partnership failed and Robert to Him. Make a good quality soap.
Colgate returned to farming. But Give a full pound… Someone will
William liked the business and be the leading soap maker in New
was convinced that he could Continued on p. 7
Continued on p. 7