Hymn 629 St. Gertrude

"Onward, Christian Soldiers" (set to Arthur Sullivan's "St. Gertrude" tune) is a classic processional hymn that brings a strong, unified energy to the start of a service. With its steady, march-like rhythm and triumphant lyrics, it is often sung as the choir and clergy process down the aisle. The imagery of marching "with the Cross of Jesus going on before" sets a tone of spiritual readiness, reminding the congregation of their shared journey and purpose.

This particular sheet provides the music in tonic sol-fa notation, a format familiar to many Nigerian choirs. Alongside it is the shorter hymn "Come, let us join our friends above" (Hymn 628, "Dundee"), a piece traditionally sung on Saints' Days to honor the bond between the earthly congregation and those on the eternal shore.

When a choir leads "Onward, Christian Soldiers," the bold call to "lift your voices" and "loud your anthems raise" naturally encourages the whole church to join in. It is a piece that builds momentum, turning a simple procession into a shared declaration of faith and hope.