BICKERSTETH, Edward Henry, Eng lish divine and hymn-writer: b. 25 Jan. 1825; d. London, 16 May 1906. His father was a Church of England clergyman and at the age of 14 he decided to take holy orders. Though not eminently successful in other subjects dur ing his university career, he won the chancel lor's medal for English three years in succes sion— a unique feat. Ordained priest in 1849, Bicicersteth held several church livings 'before he became vicar of Christ Church Hampstead, in London, where he remained 36 years. Here he established daily services and engaged actively in missionary work. He made jottrneys through India, Palestine and Japan. Of extremely broad-minded views, he aided and encouraged many church and diocesan societies which lacked the prescribed evangelical sanc tion. His writings in prose and verse were very numerous. He published in 1866
Great Britain, and twice that number in Amer ica. In 1858 he published (Psahns and Hymns,' based on his father's 'Christian Psalmody.' Sotne 30 hymns of Bickersteth's own composi tion are in popular use, the best known being