William Leroy Pettingill

William Leroy Pettingill
1886-1950
American pastor, educator, and lecturer. Born August 27, 1886, William Pettingill received only a fourth-grade education because of precarious family finances. Saved at 13, serious Bible study began a decade later after his first encounter 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 Philadelphia 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 September 15, 1950.