William Bright

William Bright was an English Anglican priest, church historian, theologian, devotional writer, and hymn writer born at Doncaster in 1824. Educated at Rugby School and University College, Oxford, he earned first-class honours in classics, theological scholarships, and later a D.D. He was ordained deacon in 1848 and priest in 1850 and became a theological tutor at Trinity College, Glenalmond, where his work encouraged the historical studies that would dominate his academic career.

Bright’s Scottish appointment ended controversially in 1858 after the Bishop of Glasgow objected to a remark he made about the Reformation settlement under Henry VIII. Bright protested the dismissal, and later recognition that he had been treated unjustly did not prevent him from building a distinguished Oxford career. In 1868 he became Regius Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Canon of Christ Church, positions he held for more than three decades. His scholarship concentrated especially on the early Church, including works on the fourth and fifth centuries, Church Fathers, councils, and early English Christianity.

His devotional writings included “Ancient Collects” and “Hymns and Other Poems.” “And Now, O Father, Mindful of the Love” emerged from his sacramental theology and was first printed in 1873. Other hymns include “We Know Thee Who Thou Art” and the evening hymn “And Now the Wants Are Told.”