Frederick Henry Hedge

Frederick Henry Hedge was an American Unitarian minister, scholar, and translator whose work contributed to nineteenth century hymnody through translation of German hymns. Born in Massachusetts and partly educated in Germany, he developed strong knowledge of German literature and theology. Hedge served several Unitarian congregations and was active in theological and literary scholarship. He translated the German hymn Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott into English as A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. His translation became widely used in English speaking hymnals and helped introduce Martin Luther famous hymn to broader Protestant worship. Hedge work illustrates the important role of translators in bringing European hymn traditions into English language churches.