Richard Massie
1852–1887 · England · Romantic
Translator
Richard Massie was a 19th-century English translator and hymnologist who made significant contributions to Christian hymnody through his translations of German hymns into English. Born in 1852, he worked within the Anglican tradition and was instrumental in introducing Continental Protestant hymn texts to English-speaking congregations. Massie is best known for his translations of Martin Luther's hymns and other German chorale texts, which he rendered into singable English verses while maintaining theological accuracy and poetic quality. His work helped bridge the gap between German Reformation hymnody and English ecclesiastical traditions during the Victorian era.