Background
He was born in Dublin, youngest son of the immensely respected judge Richard Pennefather, and his wife Jane Bennet.
He was born in Dublin, youngest son of the immensely respected judge Richard Pennefather, and his wife Jane Bennet.
He went to school first in Dublin, then to a private school at Westbury on Trym near Bristol, where he was nicknamed "the saintly boy". Due to his chronic ill-health he was then placed with a private tutor, Mr Stephens, at Levens, near Kendal. He entered Trinity College, Dublin in 1834 but due to his constant health problems he did not matriculate until 1840.
He entered holy orders in 1842.
He became curate of Ballymacash, near Lisburn, in 1843 and of Mellifont the following year. In 1848 he was appointed vicar of Holy Trinity, Walton, near Aylesbury.
This was a very difficult parish to work in as he had no vicarage and the income was small, but he is said to have gained the trust and respect of his parishioners. In 1852 he was transferred to Christ Church, Barnet, where he rapidly built up a considerable influence.
His house in Barnet became a meeting place for evangelicals of all social classes and walks of life, and he began a famous series of conferences on missionary work.
In 1864 he was transferred to Saint Jude"s Church, Mildmay Park, Islington, where he continued to hold conferences on missionary work until his sudden death on 30 April 1873. He was remembered as one of the most influential mission preachers of his time. He was the author of numerous hymns, of which probably the best-known is "Jesus, Stand Among Us", and also published several books of sermons.
She survived William by many years, and died in 1893.
She participated fully in her husband"s work and was regarded as an organiser and administrator no less capable than he. She also wrote several hymns.
They had no children.