BARING-GOULD, SABINE. AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT OF "ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS"

1 page (11 11/16 x 6 1/2 in.; 297 x 165mm). 40 lines in five eight-line stanzas, signed "S. Baring-Gould" at end; strengthened at fold, a few instances of minor bleeding or smudging.

1 page (11 11/16 x 6 1/2 in.; 297 x 165mm). 40 lines in five eight-line stanzas, signed "S. Baring-Gould" at end; strengthened at fold, a few instances of minor bleeding or smudging.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

Autograph manuscript of one of the most popular hymns of all timeThe now iconic lyrics of "Onward Christian Soldiers" predated its tune, with Baring-Gould originally setting his verse to the slow movement of Joseph Haydn’s Symphony in D, No. 15. This early version of the hymn was printed in 1871 in the 'Church Times', where it was not met with popularity. It was not until Arthur Sullivan wrote the tune "St. Gertrude" for it that the piece achieved wide acceptance, becoming a mainstay of Christian services and hymnals. Baring-Gould wrote the lyric as a processional hymn for children walking from Horbury Bridge, where he served as curate. He penned the verses in about 15 minutes, later apologizing: "It was written in great haste, and I am afraid that some of the lines are faulty" (Centre for Church Music).