Timothy Rees

Timothy Rees was a Welsh Anglican priest, member of the Community of the Resurrection, military chaplain, bishop, preacher, and hymn writer. Born at Llain in Llanbadarn Trefeglwys, Cardiganshire, on August 15, 1874, he was educated at Ardwyn School, the College School at Lampeter, and St David's College, where he graduated BA in 1896. After theological formation at St Michael's College, Aberdare, he was ordained deacon in 1897 and priest in 1898. He served as a curate at Mountain Ash and later returned to St Michael's as a lecturer.

In 1906 Rees joined the Community of the Resurrection at Mirfield, an Anglican religious community with a strong tradition of disciplined common life and Christian social concern. Apart from wartime service as a chaplain to the forces from 1914 to 1919, for which he received the Military Cross, Mirfield remained the center of his ministry until he was appointed Bishop of Llandaff in 1931. During the severe South Wales depression he supported social-service efforts for unemployed communities and in 1935 took part in a deputation seeking government action for the region.

Rees wrote hymns marked by biblical theology, liturgical awareness, and concern for the church's responsibility within human suffering. His best-known texts include God Is Love, Let Heaven Adore Him; Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling; Christ Is the Heavenly Food That Gives; and O Crucified Redeemer. His work often connects Christian doctrine with peace, social responsibility, sacramental life, and discipleship. Rees remained Bishop of Llandaff until his death on April 29, 1939, and was buried beside Llandaff Cathedral.