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his home and downtown Chicago. He could have stopped at the University
on his trips to or from downtown.

William had already made inquiries to the Moody Bible Institute and
submitted his formal application in January 1896. Admission was based
upon spiritual maturity, personal character, interest in the ministry, and
academic capability. The application required transcripts from previous
schools, an autobiographical sketch, a pastor's reference, and a friend's
reference. William already had experience teaching Sunday School in his
father's churches. Rev. JW Poot submitted a letter of recommendation on
his son's behalf. Will also submitted a letter of recommendation from Dr.
Huizinga (also spelled Huizenga) of 11501 Michigan Avenue. This was in
the Roseland area and about 4 blocks northeast of the Gano Reformed
Church. The Huizingas were important early Dutch settlers in the Chicago
area, and were also prominent in Grand Rapids. In the 1890s, three
ministers named Huizinga were in the Reformed Church of America.

William was accepted by the Bible Institute and began his religious studies
there on 29 January 1897. The school was built next to the old Moody
Church at Chicago Avenue and La Salle Street. This was several blocks
north of the Loop District and 2 miles northwest of the Siegel-Cooper
Department Store. Moody's YMCA building was also on La Salle Street, but
several blocks south of the church.

Will desired to study Latin, Greek and Hebrew so he could read the
scriptures in their original texts. In 1897, these subjects were not
available at the Bible School, so he attended language classes at the
University of Chicago.

Will possessed a talent for learning languages. He already knew English,
Dutch, German and French. He maintained a reading ability in multiple
languages throughout his life. His knowledge of the classical languages
helped his theological studies and evaluation of Bible translations. He
found that difficult questions could sometimes be resolved by studying
the original Greek text, thus bypassing the vagaries of translation and
religious politics. His knowledge of Hebrew enabled him to discuss
theological issues with Rabbi's and he eventually became an important
liaison between the Christian and Jewish faiths. However, he did not know
the Frisian language, which disappointed immigrants from that area of the
Netherlands.

The Bible Institute was different in several ways from traditional schools of
theology. It was non-denominational Christian. Although Mr. Moody was
said to have Baptist leanings, Superintendent Dr. Torrey was
Congregational and Rev. Gray was Protestant-Episcopal. They could work
together because they taught the Word from the Gospels and tried to
avoid interpretations that created religious controversies. Even the
Catholic Church issued no objection to Moody's campaigns. Another

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