Near The Cross

"Near the Cross" is a beloved hymn that centers on the profound mystery and saving power of Christ's crucifixion. With words by Fanny J. Crosby and music by W. H. Doane, it is a staple in many Nigerian Catholic and Protestant parishes, especially during the solemn seasons of Lent and Holy Week. The gentle, flowing melody carries a deeply personal prayer, asking Jesus to keep the singer anchored to the grace that flows from Calvary's mountain.

In the choir loft, this piece is often sung during the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday or as a reflective Communion hymn. The verses build a quiet progression from finding mercy at the cross to walking daily in its shadow, culminating in the hope of reaching the "golden strand." The refrain, with its simple but powerful declaration—"In the cross, in the cross, Be my glory ever"—resonates deeply with the congregation, offering a moment of quiet devotion and surrender to the healing stream of the Savior's sacrifice.