William Walter Reid
1923–2013 · United States · Modern
William Walter Reid (1923-2013) was a Scottish-American Protestant minister and hymn writer who made significant contributions to Reformed church music and ecumenical hymnody. Throughout his ministerial career serving various Reformed congregations, Reid composed hymns that addressed both theological themes and social concerns, reflecting the progressive Protestant movement of the mid-to-late twentieth century. His work was characterized by theological depth and accessibility, written in the Reformed tradition while engaging with contemporary issues. Reid was active in ecumenical movements, which influenced his hymn writing to bridge denominational divides. His contributions to hymnody demonstrated the enduring vitality of Protestant sacred music in addressing modern Christian concerns.