Haven of Rest Ministries

Haven of Rest Ministries was founded in Akron, Ohio, in 1943 by Rev. and Mrs. Charles C. Thomas. Their love for poor, homeless, and spiritually destitute individuals led them to establish a rescue mission in a tiny storeroom in Akron. Supported by a small group of Christian friends who shared their vision, Rev. and Mrs. Thomas gave themselves total... ly to the work of this ministry. In 1943, Rev. and Mrs. Thomas moved Haven of Rest to a former hotel on North Howard Street. Dedication ceremonies took place on Easter Sunday, and Akron had its first rescue mission. Four years later an alcoholic ward was added, and Haven of Rest soon became a recognized facility for the treatment of alcoholism. In 1952, Haven of Rest broke ground for a new rescue mission building that contained a clinic for those suffering with alcohol abuse addiction on East Buchtel Avenue near The University of Akron campus. When expansion of The University of Akron made it necessary for Haven of Rest to give up that location, God provided an even better one. Construction of a modern, more functional rescue mission was completed in 1974. Two years later, Rev. Charles C. Thomas passed away and was succeeded by his son, Rev. Curtis Thomas.Read More