Bartholomäus Ringwaldt

Bartholomäus Ringwaldt (c. 1530 – probably May 9, 1599) was a German didactic poet and Lutheran pastor. He is most recognized as a hymnwriter.

Biography Bartholomäus Ringwaldt was born in Frankfort-on-the-Oder, Germany. From 1543, he studied theology. After graduating, he first started his career as a teacher. He was ordained into the Lutheran Ministry during 1557 and served as pastor of two parishes. In 1566, he became the pastor of Langenfeld, Neumark. Starting during the 1570s, he wrote songs and poems which focused on his religious and theological beliefs. Ringwaldt was a prolific hymnist, and may have composed tunes as well.

Bartholomäus Ringwaldt died probably May 9, 1599 in Langenfeld, today Długoszyn near Sulęcin, Poland.

Hymns Ringwaldt's hymns include: "Herr Jesu Christ, du höchstes Gut" ("Lord Jesus Christ, you highest good"). As well as writing the words, Ringwaldt may have written the anonymous tune. "Es ist gewisslich an der Zeit" (ca, 1565), translated into English as The day is surely drawing near by Philip A. Peter for the "Ohio Lutheran Hymnal", 1880.