William Chatterton Dix

William Chatterton Dix (1837–1898) was an English Anglican lay hymn writer and devotional author whose texts became widely used across Anglican and other English-speaking churches. Born in Bristol on June 14, 1837, he was educated at Bristol Grammar School and entered business rather than ordained ministry. He later moved to Glasgow, where he became manager of a marine insurance company. His career as a layman in commerce distinguished him from many prominent Victorian hymn writers who were clergy.

Dix wrote extensively for the Christian year, Eucharistic worship, biblical meditation, and personal devotion. His published collections included Hymns of Love and Joy, Altar Songs: Verses on the Holy Eucharist, The Pattern Life, Vision of All Saints, and Seekers of a City. He also prepared devotional prose and texts for children, and his writing shows the influence of the High Church Anglican tradition in its sacramental and liturgical emphases.

Among his best-known hymns and carols are “As with Gladness Men of Old,” “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!,” “Come unto Me, Ye Weary,” and “What Child Is This?” His texts are marked by close biblical engagement, strong Christological imagery, and a gift for turning scenes from Scripture into prayers for Christian discipleship. Dix retired to southwest England and died at Cheddar, Somerset, on September 9, 1898.