Robert Nelson Spencer (February 18, 1877 – August 19, 1961) was a hymn writer and the third bishop of West Missouri in The Episcopal Church, serving from October 28, 1930, to 1949.

[1][2] Spencer was ordained deacon on April 5, 1904, and priest on June 4, 1905, by Bishop Frank Rosebrook Millspaugh of Kansas.

In 1909 he transferred to Grace and Holy Trinity Church in Kansas City, Missouri, to serve as its rector, where he remained until 1930.

He was consecrated on October 28, 1930, in Grace and Holy Trinity Church by the Bishop of West Texas William Theodotus Capers.

Notably he contributed to the well known hymn Eternal Father, Strong to Save and wrote O heavenly grace in holy rite descending.