John Howard Bertram Masterman

Masterman was born in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, in 1867. He was the second son of Thomas W. Masterman of Rotherfield Hall in Sussex. His younger brother was the natural historian Arthur Masterman FRS FRSE. Masterman was the grandson of William Brodie Gurney (and a distant relation to Elizabeth Fry through him) and the brother of the Liberal MP Charles Frederick Gurney Masterman. He was the husband of Theresa and father of Cyril Masterman OBE. Masterman was educated at University College School and St John's College, Cambridge.

After graduating from Cambridge, Masterman worked as a journalist for The Times and The Daily News. He also served as a tutor at Selwyn College, Cambridge. In 1904, he was ordained as a priest in the Church of England. He served as a curate in London before being appointed Vicar of St Paul's, Deptford, in 1910.

During World War I, Masterman served as a chaplain to the British Army. He was asked to write two of the tracts distributed to troops to assure them that they were doing God's will. These tracts, "The Life Beyond Death" and "The King Needs You," were widely read and helped to boost morale among the troops.

In 1923, Masterman was appointed as the first Bishop of Plymouth. He served in this role until his death in 1933. During his time as bishop, Masterman was a strong advocate for social justice and economic reform. He also worked to promote religious education and to strengthen the ties between the Church of England and the other Christian denominations.

Masterman was a complex and thoughtful individual who was deeply committed to his faith and to social justice. He was a gifted writer and speaker, and his work continues to be read and appreciated today.

Masterman died on November 25, 1933, at the age of 66. He is buried in the churchyard of St Mary's Church in Plymouth. He is remembered as a wise and compassionate leader who made a significant contribution to the Church of England and to the wider society.