John B. Dykes | Hymn Writers & Composers – Music

John Bacchus Dykes (1823–1876) was an English clergyman and composer of hymn tunes. A skilled organist and music director, he wrote over 300 hymn tunes, many of which remain widely sung today. His most famous melodies include “Melita” (Eternal Father, Strong to Save), “Nicaea” (Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty), and “Dominus Regit Me” (The King of Love My Shepherd Is). Dykes combined theological depth with rich, expressive harmony, influencing the development of Victorian hymnody.