BICKERSTETH, EDWARD (1786-1850), English hymn writer, was one of the secretaries of the Church Missionary Society, from 1816 to 1830, and rector of Watton, Herts., from 183o to his death. His Christian Psalmody (London, 1833), a collection of over 70o hymns, went through 59 editions in seven years, and formed the basis of the Hymnal Companion (London 1870), com piled by his son, E. H. Bickersteth, bishop of Exeter (1885-90).