“Onward Christian Soldiers”

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Hymnal Journaling

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The Author of the Hymn

THE AUTHOR ~ Sabine Baring-Gould

Born January 28, 1834 in Devon, England
Died January 2 16, 1924 in Devon, England

An Anglican priest, hagiographer, antiquarian, novelist, folk song collector & eclectic scholar. His bibliography consists of more than 1240 publications, though this list continues to grow.

His family home, the manor house of Lew Trenchard, Devon, has been preserved as he had it rebuilt and is now a hotel. He is remembered particularly as a writer of hymns, the best-known being “Onward, Christian Soldiers“ and “Now the Day Is Over“. 

History of Hymn

THE HISTORY ~ “Onward Christian Soldiers” 

Written as a processional hymn for children walking from Horbury Bridge, where Baring-Gould was curate, to Hobary St Peter’s Church near Wakefield, Yorkshire in 1865. It was originally entitled, “Hymn for Procession with Cross and Banners.” 

According to the Centre for Church Music, Baring-Gould reportedly wrote “Onward, Christian Soldiers” in about 15 minutes, later apologising, “It was written in great haste, and I am afraid that some of the lines are faulty.” He later allowed hymn-book compilers to alter the lyrics. For example, The Fellowship Hymn Book, with his permission, changed the phrase “one in hope and doctrine” to “one in hope and purpose.” For the 1909 edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern, he changed the fifth line of the same verse from “We are not divided” to “Though divisions harass.” However, Baring-Gould’s original words are used in most modern hymnals.