William Leroy Pettingill
1886-1950
American pastor, educator, and lecturer. Born August 27,
1886, William Pettingill received only a fourth-grade educa-
tion because of precarious family finances. Saved at 13, se-
rious Bible study began a decade later after his first en-
counter with C.I. Scofield. From that point, Pettingill moved
from Y.M.C.A. work into the pastorate and teaching. Many of
his 21 books are revised sermon studies.
In 1913 Scofield and Pettingill cofounded the Phila-
delphia College of the Bible, with Pettingill serving as
dean. In addition to stimulating students with his vivid
visualizations of the Word and his hearty laugh, Pettingill
wrote widely, served on the council of the Central American
Mission, and was a staunch supporter of the fundamentalist
movement.
From 1929 to 1950 Dr. Pettingill traveled across
North and Central America, and to Europe, sharing his gift of
stirring people to action from the Word. "Keep looking up"
was his motto, but it became the challenge of many.
Dr. Pettingill exchanged his faith for sight Septem-
ber 15, 1950.

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Christian Biographies