Edward Henry Bickersteth

Edward Henry Bickersteth (1825–1906) was an English Anglican bishop, pastor, poet, hymn writer, editor, and evangelical author. Born at Islington while his father, Edward Bickersteth, was serving the Church Missionary Society, he grew up in a family strongly identified with evangelical Anglicanism and missionary work. Educated at home and then at Trinity College, Cambridge, he graduated B.A. in 1847 and M.A. in 1850. His literary ability was evident early: he won Cambridge’s Chancellor’s Medal for English verse in three consecutive years, 1844–1846, and later received the Seatonian Prize for sacred poetry.

Bickersteth was ordained deacon in 1848 and priest in 1849. He served at Banningham, Norfolk, and Christ Church, Tunbridge Wells, became rector of Hinton Martell in Dorset, and in 1855 began a thirty-year ministry as vicar of Christ Church, Hampstead. In 1885 he was appointed Dean of Gloucester and, later that year, Bishop of Exeter, serving the diocese until 1900.

His writing included sermons, theological works, poetry, and hymnody. Major books include The Rock of Ages, The Spirit of Life, and the long theological poem Yesterday, To-day, and For Ever. He edited the Hymnal Companion to the Book of Common Prayer, first published in 1870, and wrote many hymns; “Peace, Perfect Peace” became his most widely circulated text.

Mission remained important throughout Bickersteth’s life. He supported the Church Missionary Society, traveled to encourage overseas mission work, and wrote missionary hymns at both the Society’s jubilee and its centenary. His hymnody reflects the evangelical combination of biblical proclamation, personal salvation, congregational praise, and active Christian service.