10 notable Christian ministry leaders, influencers who died in 2024

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Friday, December 27, 2024

Timothy Dudley-Smith – Aug. 12, 2024

Timothy Dudley-Smith, a Church of England minister and prolific hymn writer, speaks during a 2022 speech. | YouTube/St Andrew the Great, Cambridge

Timothy Dudley-Smith, a former bishop in the Church of England and the prolific hymn writer behind such songs as "Lord, Through the Years" and "Tell all, my Soul," died at age 97.

A native of Manchester, England, Dudley-Smith served as bishop of Thetford from 1981-1991, general secretary of the Church Pastoral Aid Society from 1965-1973, and director of the Evangelical Alliance from 1987-1992.

Dudley-Smith also worked alongside the Rev. Billy Graham when the famed American evangelist held a preaching tour of London in the 1950s.

Bishop Graham Usher of the Church of England Diocese of Norwich said in a statement that Dudley-Smith was "much-respected" and "particularly involved with education and vocations within the diocese."

"When I became Bishop of Norwich, Bishop Timothy wrote a most warm and encouraging letter, and we corresponded further about his passion for the environment," said Usher.

"Of course, he was a well-known hymn-writer, including the blockbuster 'Tell out my soul' which has encouraged many people in their Christian faith or to add their 'yes' to God's call in their lives and make a commitment to following Jesus."