Newell Dwight Hillis

Born in Magnolia, Iowa, in 1858, Newell Dwight Hillis studied at Lake Forest University and McCormick Theological Seminary before entering the Presbyterian ministry. He later served prominent congregations in Illinois and Evanston, and became especially well known after taking the pulpit at Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, one of the most famous Protestant churches in the United States.

Hillis built a national reputation as both a preacher and a public speaker. Alongside his church work, he wrote widely on religion, ethics, culture, and civic life, with a style meant for general readers rather than specialists.

Remembered today as a major voice in American Protestant public life of his era, he stood at the crossroads of ministry, reform-minded discussion, and popular literary culture. He died in 1929, leaving behind a large body of sermons, essays, and books.