Edward Henry Bickersteth | Bishop Library Tribute & The Pulpit Commentary Connection

 In every generation, a pulpit voice rises—not only to preach, but to echo eternity.

Edward Henry Bickersteth (1825–1906) was a distinguished Anglican bishop, poet, and hymn writer, whose life blended pastoral care, literary grace, and missionary zeal.

 Edward Henry Bickersteth (1825–1906)

📜 Early Life & Education

• Born in Islington, London, son of Edward Bickersteth Sr., a prominent evangelical clergyman

• Educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he earned honors in Classics and won the Chancellor’s Gold Medal for poetry three years in a row (1844–1846)

🙏 Clerical Career

• Ordained in 1848; served as curate in Norfolk and Tunbridge Wells

• Became Vicar of Christ Church, Hampstead in 1855, serving for 30 years

• Appointed Dean of Gloucester and Bishop of Exeter in 1885, holding the bishopric until 1900

🌍 Missionary Work

• Traveled extensively to support overseas missions, including visits to India, the Middle East, and Japan

• Reunited with his son Edward, the first Bishop of South Tokyo, during a mission tour in 1891

🎶 Literary Contributions

• Authored numerous devotional works and poems, including Yesterday, To-day, and Forever and The Rock of Ages

• Edited the Hymnal Companion, praised for its poetic grace and theological depth

• His hymn “Peace, Perfect Peace” remains widely beloved

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family

• Married twice; fathered sixteen children, including Edward Bickersteth Jr., a missionary bishop in Japan

• His daughter Mary Jane documented their travels in Japan As We Saw It

Bickersteth’s legacy lives on through his hymns and writings, which continue to inspire personal devotion and liturgical worship. 

📆 Edward Henry Bickersteth: Life & Legacy Timeline
Year Event	Year Event
1825	Born in Islington, London to a devout evangelical Anglican family
1844–1846	Won Chancellor’s Gold Medal for Poetry at Trinity College, Cambridge
1848	Ordained as deacon; began clerical work in Norfolk
1855	Became Vicar of Christ Church, Hampstead—served for 30 years
1885	Appointed Bishop of Exeter and Dean of Gloucester
1891	Toured Japan; reunited with his son Edward, Bishop of South Tokyo
1906	Passed away in London at age 81

✍️ Inspiring Quotes from Bickersteth’s Works

“Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.” —from his hymn Peace, Perfect Peace

“Yesterday, to-day, and forever—Jesus is the same. His love unchanged; his power undiminished.” —from Yesterday, To-day, and Forever

“The Rock of Ages never fails. Not in the whirlwind or the stillness.”

“Come ye yourselves apart and rest awhile.” —an invitation to sabbath rest and spiritual renewal

“Faith is not presumption, but a holy leaning on divine promises.”

Ai Copilot Enhanced Photo: R. Buddy Bishop Library

📚 In honoring Edward Henry Bickersteth, we also lift up the enduring legacy of William “Buddy” Bishop—a former senior pastor of Dove Creek Assembly of God and devoted Assemblies of God missionary. 

His life of global witness and local shepherding echoes through the treasured volumes he left behind. With heartfelt support from his generous wife, Cecily Bishop, our congregation now curates the Bishop Library Collection to preserve the spiritual depth and wisdom of his ministry, a beacon for future voices at the pulpit.

Cecily Bishop’s reflections on her husband Buddy’s life and ministry, shared in this Facebook Tribute, offer a glimpse into their shared calling and enduring love.

Praise the Lord for such great men He has used as these!

May their words not only be remembered—but reread in the hearts of those who still listen for Heaven’s echo.  

Join me in an Expository Adaptation to E. Bickersteth's work in presenting the classic The Pulpit Commentary Titled: "He Delivers Hope: Jesus Heals a Demoniac"

Citation References:

1. Edward Bickersteth (bishop of Exeter) - Wikipedia
2. Edward Henry Bickersteth | Hymnary.org

"Soli Deo Gloria | “Glory to God Alone”