William Henry Griffith Thomas (2 January 1861 – 2 June 1924) was a prominent Anglican clergyman, evangelical theologian, educator, and author. He is best known for his clear, Scripture-centered teaching, his work in theological education on both sides of the Atlantic, and his role as a co-founder of what became Dallas Theological Seminary.

Early Life and Education

Born in Oswestry, Shropshire, England, to a Welsh family, Griffith Thomas lost his father before or shortly after his birth and was raised in part by his maternal grandfather. He was converted to Christ at age 16 (1878). Largely self-taught in Greek in his early years, he later studied at King’s College London (Associateship, 1882–1885) and Christ Church, Oxford. He earned degrees including B.D. and D.D. from Oxford (the latter in 1906). He was ordained as an Anglican deacon in 1885.

Ministry and Academic Career

• He served in various pastoral roles, most notably as Vicar of St. Paul’s, Portman Square, London (1896–1905), an evangelical church with strong missionary support. His ministry there emphasized prayer and Bible teaching.

• From 1905 to 1910 he was Principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, a key training center for evangelical Anglicans. During this period he edited the theological journal The Churchman and wrote extensively.

• In 1910 he moved to Canada and taught at Wycliffe College in Toronto until 1919.

• After 1919 he based himself in the United States (primarily Philadelphia), focusing on Bible conference speaking, writing, and teaching across North America. He was associated with the Keswick movement’s emphasis on the “victorious Christian life” and with dispensationalist circles.

In 1922–1924 he collaborated with Lewis Sperry Chafer and others to plan a new seminary focused on biblical exposition. This became the Evangelical Theological College (opened October 1924, later renamed Dallas Theological Seminary). Griffith Thomas was designated a visiting professor of theology but died in Philadelphia on 2 June 1924, just months before the school opened. His personal library of about 4,000 volumes was purchased for the new seminary, and DTS later established the Griffith Thomas Lectureship in his honor.

Theological Stance and Influence

Griffith Thomas was a theologically conservative evangelical Anglican who upheld the inerrancy of Scripture. He combined Anglican sacramental and liturgical commitments with strong Reformed and dispensational emphases. He is sometimes described as a “reluctant Calvinist.” He opposed theological modernism, notably delivering the influential 1921 address “Modernism in China,” which helped galvanize conservative missionary responses. He also engaged questions of faith and evidence, emphasizing that Christian faith involves the mind (conviction based on evidence), the heart (confidence), and the will (obedience).

Major Writings

He was a prolific author of more than 25 books, plus numerous articles, columns, and booklets. Many of his works remain in print or are still consulted. Key titles include:

• The Principles of Theology: An Introduction to the Thirty-Nine Articles (published posthumously in 1930) — his most substantial systematic work.

• The Catholic Faith: A Manual of Instruction for Members of the Church of England

• The Holy Spirit of God

• Grace and Power: Some Aspects of the Spiritual Life

• The Work of the Ministry (later revised/edited as Ministerial Life and Work)

• Devotional commentaries and studies on Genesis, Romans, Colossians, Hebrews, the Gospels, Acts, and other biblical books

• How We Got Our Bible and Why We Believe It Is God’s Word

• Methods of Bible Study and various practical Christian-life titles

His writing style is noted for clarity, pastoral warmth, and careful exposition grounded in Scripture.