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You bring the Hymnal, I'll bring the History
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Whitmonday was a festival day for schoolchildren. During the day the children would march to neighboring villages carrying a cross and banners. In 1864, Pastor Sabine Baring-Gould wanted a new hymn to encourage them in their march. In fifteen minutes he wrote to the hymn, “Onward Christian Soldiers,” but at that time it was named “Hymn for Procession with Cross and Banners.” Later on, Baring-Gould apologized for the hymn. He said, “It was written in great haste, and I am afraid that some of the rhymes are faulty.” Yet, this simple hymn has become one of the most famous Christian marching hymns ever written.

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Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before:
Christ the royal Master leads against the foe;
Forward into battle, see, His banner go.

At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

Like a mighty army moves the Church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we-
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

Onward, then ye people, join our happy throng;
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor unto Christ the King -
This thru countless ages men and angels sing.

Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before!
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