Newell Dwight Hillis (September 2, 1858 – February 25, 1929) was a Congregationalist minister, writer, and philosopher from Brooklyn. He served as pastor of the historic Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims in Brooklyn, and he oversaw the completion of the last major renovation of the church.
Biography
Newell Dwight Hillis was born in Magnolia, Iowa, on September 2, 1858. His parents were Samuel Ewing and Margaret (Hester) Hillis. He graduated from Lake Forest University, Illinois, in 1884, and McCormick Theological Seminary in 1887. The same year he was ordained to the Presbyterian ministry. Subsequently, he served as pastor at the First Presbyterian Church, Peoria, Illinois (1886–89); at the First Presbyterian Church, Evanston, Illinois (1889–95); at the Independent Central Church, Chicago, Illinois (1895–1899); and the Plymouth Congregational Church, Brooklyn, New York (1899–1924).
Over his lifetime he delivered approximately 3,500 lectures and published several books, largely on religious and patriotic subjects. Among his writings were Great Books as Life-Teachers: Studies of Character, Real and Ideal (1888), Right Living as a Fine Art (1899), After Sermon Prayers, Lectures and Oration, The Influence of Christ in Modern Life - A study of the New Problems of the Church in American Society (1900), The Quest of John Chapman - The Story of a Forgotten Hero, The Quest of Happiness: A Study of Victories Over Life's Troubles (1902), The Contagion of Character, Studies in Culture and Success (1911), Henry Ward Beecher - A Study of his Live and Influence (1913), Message of David to his Generation (1913), The Blot on the Kaiser's Scutcheon (1918), German Atrocities, Their Nature and Philosophy (1918), The Better America Lectures (1921), and Great men as prophets of a new era (1922).
