Hymn Writers of the Church

Bickersteth, Edward Henry, a bishop of the church of England, son of Edward Bickersteth, rector of Walton, was born at Islington, England, January 25, 1825. He was graduated at Cambridge University B.A. 1847, M.A. 1850). Taking holy orders in the Church of England in 1848, he became curate first at Banningham, Norfolk, and then at Tunbridge Wells; and in 1852 became rector of Hinton-Martell and vicar of Christ Church, Hampstead in 1855. He became Dean of Gloucester in 1885, and that same year he was appointed Bishop of Exeter. Beginning with a volume of Poems in 1849, he published successively no less than twelve volumes, the most widely known being his extended poem titled Yesterday, To-Day, and Forever, 1867, and The Spirit of Life, 1868. He edited and published in 1858 a volume titled Psalms and Hymns. His Hymnal Companion first edition 1870, last edition 1890) called forth from Dr. Julian, editor of the Dictionary of Hymnology, these high words of praise: "Of its kind and from its theological standpoint, as an evangelical hymn book, it is in poetic grace, literary excellence, and lyric beauty, the finest collection in the Anglican Church;" and the author's contributions to this volume are pronounced "very beautiful and of much value." He retired from active work in 1900, and died May 16, 1906. Four of his hymns are in this collection: