The Reverend Dr. William N. Penfield died this morning in Litchfield, CT at the age of 87. Bill's long and faithful ministry concluded with his position as SIM's Executive Director from 1989 to 2001. Bill's development of SIM's three legs of seminarian support - financial, pastoral and advocacy - continues today to be as meaningful to seminarians as when Bill personally visited seminarians in the latter part of the 20th century.  He raised SIM's profile as the only organization raising funds on a national basis for the support of Episcopal seminarians.  

   

A faithful pastor, Bill was also well known as an utmost gentleman.  Bill served as priest, educator and administrator at private secondary schools and parishes in Newark, Hartford and Palm Beach.  His keen interest in theological education guided him to the Board of Examining Chaplains and as a trustee of General Theological Seminary, which awarded him an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity in 2002.  His eleven years of service as SIM's Executive Director revealed his passionate commitment to the theological education, formation, pastoral and financial well-being of seminarians.

 

Meredith and Bill Penfield

SIM Day 2008  

 

"Bill was so pleased to attend the SIM Day event earlier this month [October 2nd in Hartford]," shared Meredith Penfield, his wife of 42 years. At the SIM Day event he was greeted by numerous dear friends, many of whom became loyal SIM supporters during Bill's tenure as Executive Director.

 

"In my travels to seminaries and calls upon donors around the country, Bill is often mentioned, asked about and remembered fondly by SIM alumni and donors," stated Thomas Moore, SIM's current Executive Director. "He certainly left his mark on our organization and its significance for the future of The Episcopal Church. Bill met with me upon several occasions to provide clerical counsel for my leadership at SIM. Bill cared deeply for this ministry."

 

As only Bill would have it, the Penfield family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be given in honor of the Rev. Dr. William N. Penfield to the Society for the Increase of the Ministry (SIM), 924 Farmington Avenue, Suite 100, West Hartford, CT 06107 or donate on our web site, www.simministry.org.  

May the Penfield family have the peace that passes all understanding and may Bill's soul rest in peace.

 

Faithfully,