Lift High the Cross

This hymn about the Cross is widely used for Lent and Good Friday - but can be used in processional events throughout the year.

It was written by English academic George William Kitchin (1827-1920) in 1887, for a festival of the Society of the Propagation of the Gospel. It was adapted by Church of England priest Michael R. Newbolt ( 1874-1956) in 1916 and this version has twelve verses.

The hymn was first published in the USA in 1974 (ref), and following this is has become popular in a wide range of denominations.

With meter 10.10 with refrain, since 1916 it is almost always set to the tune CRUCIFER (Nicholson) which was composed in 1916 by English choir director, organist and composer Sydney H. Nicholson (1875–1947).

The Open Hymnal Project presents it as being public domain - but the source of this status is unclear. Certainly Kitchin's original lyrics are public domain. But Newbolt's revisions and the setting to this particular tune may not be, at least in some countries.

Downloads

Included in many different collections

Downloadable sheet music, SAB choir with piano, arrangement by Sydney Hugo Nicholson 2 pages

Examples

Massed choir with brass

Choir and congregation with organ, processional use

Congregation and choir in a church service

Smaller church, guitar and keyboard accompaniment

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

Chorus:
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
till all the world adore his sacred name.

1 Come, Christians, follow where our Savior trod ...

2. Led on their way by this triumphant sign ...

3. Each newborn servant of the Crucified ...

4. This is the sign which Satan's legions fear ...

5. Saved by this Cross whereon their Lord was slain ...

6. From north and south, from east and west they raise ...

7. O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree ...

8. So shall our song of triumph ever be ...

9. Let every race and every language tell ...

10.From farthest regions ...

11.Set up thy throne, ...

12.For thy blest Cross ....

See more ....

• Hymns about suffering / the Cross
• Good Friday hymns

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
Chorus:
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
till all the world adore his sacred name.
1 Come, Christians,
follow where our Savior trod,
the Lamb victorious, Christ, the Son of God.

2. Led on their way
by this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in conquering ranks combine.

3. Each newborn servant
of the Crucified
Bears on the brow the seal of Him Who died.

4. This is the sign which Satan's legions fear
And angels veil their faces to revere.

5. Saved by this Cross whereon their Lord was slain,

The sons of Adam their lost home regain.

6. From north and south, from east and west they raise
In growing unison their songs of praise.

7. O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
As thou hast promised, draw the world to thee.

8. So shall our song of triumph ever be:
Praise to the Crucified for victory.

9. Let every race and every language tell
Of him who saves our souls from death and hell.

10.From farthest regions let their homage bring,
And on his Cross adore their Saviour King.

11.Set up thy throne, that earth's despair may cease
Beneath the shadow of its healing peace.

12.For thy blest Cross

which doth for all atone Creation's praises rise before thy throne.