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January 1861 A.D. William H.G. Thomas Born—Church of England Theologian
William H. G. Thomas (1861 to 1924)
Church of England
Preachers' Preacher
William Henry Griffith Thomas was born at Oswestry,
Shropshire, England. Forced by economic circumstances to leave school at age
14, he attained his education by diligent study and sacrifice. At age 16 he was
asked to teach a Sunday School class. For four months he did his best, but
realized that he could not teach something he himself had not experienced. God
used two young men of the church to bring him to Christ on March 23, 1878.
Given opportunities for promotion within the Anglican church, he quickly rose
from one position to another, until he was called to pastor at St. Paul's
Church, Portman Square. Soon the church had six prayer meetings a week, plus
many clubs and societies. However, Griffith Thomas emphasized the study of the
Word. Spiritual growth followed within his church. In 1910 he moved with his
family to Toronto, and from there to Philadelphia. He helped found Dallas
Theological Seminary. He became famous for his advice to young preachers:
"Think yourself empty, read yourself full, write yourself clear, pray yourself
keen--then, enter the pulpit and let yourself go!"
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