Duke of Argyll

John Douglas Sutherland Campbell, Duke of Argyll (1845–1914), was a Scottish nobleman, politician, writer, and hymn translator. Born in London to George Campbell, Marquis of Lorne, he inherited the dukedom at just 21 months old and held it throughout his life. Educated at Edinburgh, Eton, St. Andrews, and Trinity College, Cambridge, he also attended the National Art Training School and spent a decade traveling extensively across North and Central America, producing literature and poetry.

Campbell served as a Liberal Member of Parliament for Argyllshire and later held significant administrative positions, including Governor General of Canada. During his tenure in Canada, he and his wife, Princess Louise (Queen Victoria's fourth daughter), promoted arts, sciences, and education, supporting institutions such as the Royal Society of Canada, the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, and the National Gallery of Canada. He also contributed to infrastructure projects including the Canadian Pacific Railway and a hospital in British Columbia. Upon returning to the UK, he served as Governor and Constable of Windsor Castle from 1892 until his death in 1914 from pneumonia.

In hymnody, Campbell is best known for his translations and adaptations, including the well-known version of Psalm 121, Unto the hills around do I lift up My longing eyes, which has appeared in numerous hymnals. His works have been rendered in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese, reflecting both his literary skill and his devotion to making sacred texts accessible to worshipers worldwide.