Philip A. Nordell (1846-1915) was a brilliant biblical scholar. He graduated from the University of Rochester in 1870. In 1886 the same university awarded him the honorary Doctorate of Divinity. He was among the first faculty appointed at the University of Chicago under William Harper Ramsey. He is known for such works as his The Modern Church and Preparation for Christianity as well as numerous bible study aids. As a pastor he served Baptist congregations in Weymouth, MA and New London, CT.