Newell Dwight Hillis was born in Magnolia, Iowa, on September 2, 1858. His parents were Samuel Ewing and Margaret (Hester) Hillis. He graduated from Lake Forest University, Illinois, in 1884, and McCormick Theological Seminary in 1887. The same year he was ordained to the Presbyterian ministry. Subsequently he served as pastor at the First Presbyterian Church, Peoria, Illinois (1886–89); at the First Presbyterian Church, Evanston, Illinois (1889–95); at the Independent Central Church, Chicago, Illinois (1895–1899); and the Plymouth Congregational Church, Brooklyn, New York (1899–1924).
