Edward H. Plumptre

Full Name: Edward Hayes Plumptre
Birth/Death: 1821–1891

Edward Hayes Plumptre was born in London, England, on August 6, 1821. He became a highly respected classical and biblical scholar, educator, and clergyman. Educated at King’s College, London, and University College, Oxford, he graduated with a double first in 1844 and was ordained in the Church of England in 1846. Plumptre held numerous influential positions, including Assistant Preacher at Lincoln’s Inn, Professor of Pastoral Theology at King’s College, Dean of Queen’s College, Oxford, Prebendary at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Professor of Exegesis at King’s College, and Dean of Wells, a post he held from 1881 until his death. He also served on the Old Testament revision committee for the Revised Version of the Bible.

Plumptre was a prolific author and scholar, producing works in classics, biblical criticism, history, theology, biography, poetry, and hymnody. His hymns are celebrated for their elegance, fervor, and musicality, with the most widely used being Rejoice, ye pure in heart and Thine arm, O Lord, in days of old. He also wrote hymns for schools, colleges, hospitals, and choral festivals, often emphasizing revived church life and devotional practice. His translations from Latin are recognized for their accuracy and singability, though they are less widely used than his original compositions.

Edward Hayes Plumptre passed away on February 1, 1891, at the Deanery in Wells, England, leaving a legacy of scholarship, sacred poetry, and devotion to the church.