HYMN #1031 SSS #1031 • SS&S Meter: 8.7. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #1031: One by one we cross

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

1

One by one we cross the river,
One by one we’re passing o’er;
One by one the crowns are given,
On the bright and happy shore;
Youth and childhood oft are passing
O’er the dark and rolling tide;
And the blessed Holy Spirit
Is the dying Christian’s Guide;
And the loving, gentle Spirit
Bears them o’er the rolling tide.

2

One by one we come to Jesus,
As we heed His gentle voice;
One by one His vineyard enter,
There to labour and rejoice:
One by one sweet flowers we gather
In the glorious work of love,
Garlands for the blessed Saviour
Gather for the realms above;
And the loving, gentle Spirit
Bears them to our home of love.

3

One by one the heavy-laden
Sink beneath the noontide sun;
And the aged pilgrim welcomes
Evening shadows as they come.
One by one, with sins forgiven,
May we stand upon the shore,
Waiting till the blessed Spirit
Takes our hand and guides us o’er,
Till the loving, gentle Spirit
Leads us to the shining shore!

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "One by one we cross"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #1031 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 3 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: 8.7.
Stanza Structure: 3 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

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