Walter John Mathams

Walter John Mathams (1853–1931) was an English-born minister, religious writer, and hymn author whose career crossed Baptist and Church of Scotland settings. Born in London, he went to sea when young and later entered Regent’s Park Baptist College in 1874. He served Baptist pastorates at Preston, Falkirk, and Birmingham. In 1900 he entered the ministry of the Established Church of Scotland and subsequently served as a military chaplain with Scottish forces in Egypt, then in parish ministry at Stronsay in Orkney and at Mallaig in Inverness-shire.

Mathams published a small collection, At Jesus’ Feet, while still a student in 1876 and also wrote popular religious books including Fireside Parables and Sunday Parables. His hymn texts addressed children, young people, soldiers, sailors, Christian service, and consecration. Representative works include “Jesus, Friend of Little Children,” “God Is with Us,” “Now in the Days of Youth,” and “Christ of the Upward Way.” His writing often combines direct devotional language with practical calls to courage, service, and disciplined Christian living. He died at Swanage, Dorset, on January 29, 1931.