BOSTON, MA – A rare handwritten manuscript of “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” signed by Sabine Baring-Gould will be featured at a live auction event by Boston, MA based RR Auction this week.
Baring-Gould an Anglican priest, antiquarian, and writer (1834–1924) especially well-known as a writer of hymns.
The one lightly lined page autographed manuscript that is undated, is crisply signed at the conclusion, “S. Baring-Gould.”
Baring-Gould pens the lyrics of his iconic hymn, ‘Onward, Christian Soldiers,’ writing five stanzas. In part: “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 banners 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.”
“An exceptionally bold, scarce example of this beloved hymn of significant historic importance,” said Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction.
In 1871, Arthur Sullivan would put the hymn to music, the Salvation Army adopted the song as its favored processional, Winston Churchill had it sung during a service held while meeting with FDR to sign the Atlantic Charter, and it was played at Dwight D. Eisenhower’s funeral.
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