Henry Francis Lyte
Henry Francis Lyte (1 June 1793 – 20 November 1847) was an Anglican divine, hymn writer and poet. He is best known for writing the hymn "Abide with Me".
Born in Ednam, near Kelso, Scotland, he was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and subsequently became a curate in Taghmon, County Wexford, in 1815. He was ordained a priest in 1816. In 1817 he became curate at Lymington, Hampshire. In 1819 he became perpetual curate of All Saints' Church, Lower Brixham, Devon, where he remained for the rest of his life.
Lyte's most enduring work is his hymn "Abide with Me", written in 1847. The story often told is that he wrote it while dying of consumption (tuberculosis). It was first sung at his own funeral. The tune EVENTIDE, written by William Henry Monk, has become the standard setting for the hymn.
Besides "Abide with Me", Lyte wrote many other hymns, poems, and religious works. He published a volume of poems, *Tales on the Lord's Prayer* in 1826, and *Poems, Chiefly Religious* in 1833. He also edited *The Spirit of the Psalms*, a collection of paraphrases of the Psalms, in 1834. His hymns are known for their emotional depth and their focus on themes of comfort, trust, and reliance on God.
Lyte was also active as a parish priest, and was known for his pastoral care and his concern for the poor and marginalized. He was a popular preacher, and his sermons were said to be both eloquent and moving. He died in Nice, France, in 1847, while seeking a warmer climate for his health.
Henry Francis Lyte is remembered today primarily for "Abide with Me", a hymn that continues to resonate deeply with people around the world. His contribution to hymnody extends beyond this one work, however, and his legacy as a poet, hymn writer, and pastor is significant.