Edward Caswall
1858– · England · Romantic
Anglican curate who became a Roman Catholic Oratorian under Newman; translator of Latin hymns such as 'Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee' and 'When Morning Gilds the Skies'.
Life
Edward Caswall was born in 1814 at Yateley, Hampshire, the son of a vicar, and educated at Marlborough and Brasenose College, Oxford. Ordained in 1838–39, he was curate of Stratford-sub-Castle near Salisbury from 1840 to 1847, known for his kindness to the parish children. Under the influence of John Henry Newman he became a Roman Catholic in Rome in 1847. His wife died of cholera in 1849, and in 1850 he joined Newman's Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Birmingham, where he spent the rest of his life. He died in 1878.
As a Hymn Writer
Caswall's Lyra Catholica (1849) translated the hymns of the Roman Breviary and Missal, and later collections added German Catholic hymns. His translations are smooth and singable; Lutheran books use several, including 'Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee' (from 'Jesu dulcis memoria'), 'When Morning Gilds the Skies' (from German), and Lenten and Passion hymns.
In The Lutheran Hymnal and Lutheran Service Book (7)
- Hark, a Thrilling Voice is Sounding
- Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful
- Glory be to Jesus
- Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest
- Jesus, Brightness of the Father
- Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee
- O Jesus, King Most Wonderful
Sources: Wikipedia, 'Edward Caswall'.