Hymn-writer. Born in Edinburgh, Bonar was educated at the High School there and University of Edinburgh, before his ordination in 1838. He accepted the charge of the North Church in Kelso, but joined the Free Church following the Disruption of 1843. He returned to Edinburgh in 1866, becoming Minister at the Chalmers Memorial Church.
Bonar was responsible for the words of more than 600 hymns and became known as the Prince of Scottish hymn-writers. He published his three-volume Hymns of Faith and Hope between 1857 and 1866 and hymns such as 'Glory be to God the Father' remain popular today.
Bonar died in Edinburgh and lies buried in the Canongate kirkyard.
