About the Author
William Sabin Stoddard began his studies for the ministry at Haverford College in Pennsylvania. He went on to study at Princeton Theological Seminary and was ordained in Philadelphia in 1940. His first ministerial position was as assistant to Dr. Clarence Macartney at the First Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
His first full pastorate was at the First Presbyterian Church in Homestead, Pennsylvania. The next pastorate was in Los Angeles, California at the Angeles Mesa Presbyterian Church where he served for 13 years. This was followed by 15 years of ministry at the Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church in Walnut Creek, California.
Dr. Stoddard received an honorary doctoral degree from Whitworth College after several years of service on the board of directors. In 1978 he retired from the pastoral ministry and went on to become a Chaplain aboard The Royal Viking Line Cruises (1976-83) and the Holland America Line Cruises (1983-95). During these years Dr. Stoddard gained insights into the spiritual needs of people seeking fulfillment and happiness in travel.
Inspired by a homiletics professor at Princeton Seminary to write something creative every day, Dr. Stoddard began his devotional discipline. He wrote daily prayers based on Scripture to keep alive the longing for a close walk with God.
After many years of personal time with the Lord and His Word, he began to develop the pattern of observation of God’s Word; interpretation of God’s message; and prayer to become closer to the Lord and apply these lessons to his life. First Light was created out of a desire to give God all the glory and a heart to reach beyond his immediate sphere of influence.
Most of the devotionals in First Light were written during the mid-years of his ministry and the blessed days of marriage. His precious wife, Henrietta, was so much a part of his life, always bringing him joy, encouragement, laughter, and a strong faith in Jesus; and to us, their four children: Mary, Laurel, Dwight, and Bill.
