It could also be used as instrumental music preceding Communion, such as in a handbell arrangement like “Near the Cross. This hymn is perfect for a contemporary or blended worship service, as it fits well with modern songs such as “The Power of the Cross,” as in the choral arrangements “Near the Cross,” or “Keep Me Near the Cross,” both of which can be accompanied by piano alone, or with optional instruments. Terry Morris, Director of MusicFirst United Methodist, Downtown, Houston Tx John Gearhart, OrganistNovember 4. This hymn is best suited to Lent or Holy Week. Jesus Keep Me Near the CrossSanctuary ChoirDr. If it is too fast, it sounds like a dance, which is not appropriate to the theme of the text, but an excessively slow tempo is depressing, while the text gives hope. Here is a collection of well known and unknown treasures for the church organist by African-American composers. This tune should be sung at a moderate tempo. ( Organ Music of Black Composers, Past and Present ) Various - GIA Publications. The stanza and the refrain are in two phrases each, clearly marked by the ending long notes. He wrote the tune in 1869 and it was first published with the text in Bright Jewels.

Doane, who often collaborated with Crosby, is the composer. Mark Thewes has given a simple statement of the tune followed by six variations, each in a different. The tune for this hymn was actually written before the text, but it was named after the text, NEAR THE CROSS. Heres another great pedal solo on a popular hymn tune. The third stanza is a prayer that the Christian would always remember God's love as shown on the cross, and the fourth looks forward to heaven. The first stanza describes redemption through Jesus' blood, and the second, the need of humanity for salvation. Each stanza has a slightly different aspect of the main theme. The first line of each stanza contains the phrase “near the cross,” emphasizing the value of Christ's redeeming work there. The fourth stanza (“Near the cross I'll watch and wait”) is occasionally omitted. Crosby wrote four stanzas and a refrain, which most hymnals have kept. The text and tune were published together in Bright Jewels for the Sunday School in 1869. In 1869, Fanny Crosby was shown a tune by William Doane, for which she wrote this text.

Jesus keep me near the cross organ