Down at the cross

"Oh, how the Pocanos and hills and valleys of Pennsylvania sing. In these mountains, and surrounded with such beauty, some of our best hymn writers were born. My love of sacred song has taken me to the birthplaces and villages of some of these. P. P. Bliss was born at Rome, PA. Ira Sankey was born at Edinburgh, in Western PA. Eliza Hewitt was born at Philadelphia. The Reverend Elisha Hoffman, author of this and many other hymns was born at Orwigsburg, PA.

Elisha Hoffman was the son of a minister of the Gospel, so it was not surprising that he, too, felt the call to that field of service after his own conversion. He attended Seminary at New Berlin, in his own state, and obtained his degree in 1866. That same year he married a beautiful young lady, who had nearly attained her 22nd birthday. Both of them loved poetry, and both of them loved to write. I do not find any of the writings of Mary Hoffman; however in the year 1876 Elisha wrote this hymn, which he called "Glory to His Name". That same year they published a booklet called "Happy Songs for the Sunday School." It contained songs that both of them had written, including this one. This hymn became a favorite in evangelical circles and is sung around the world today wherever Christians love to give glory to their Savior.

That same year that this hymn was given to the many who had entered into Christ, Mrs Hoffman passed away. She was only 32. It was scarcely 10 years since their wedding day.

Rev. Hoffman joined the Evangelical United Brethren and took a pastorate in Lebanon, PA. Here he labored many years." - Hymn Stories by Wilbur Konkel

I just lost my mom 1 year ago on april fools day no joke I was not able to be there and my whole family members turnd there backs on me. I have no mom nor dad it's still hard at times you may email me.

My Dad just passed away and I have been trying to find the right songs for his services. He was very active in church his whole life and Down at the Cross is one of those old hymns he and we used to sing all the time at church. Listening and reading the lyrics has brought a flood of emotions for me and what my Dad was about. Thank you for allowing God to use you for me this morning.

Glory to the Man from Galilee!

Indeed, Glory to His name! For His love is unending love.

Our Saviour is so amazing, Who loves those that can't love HIM faithfully.

Let us thank the Lord our God for the cross, I am so thankfull He looked upon me in His mercy. I was lost and drowning in my sin, I have along way to go but I now know where I am going when this is all over.

Christ Jesus, gave us all who call on His name to be saved. Washed in the blood of the Lamb ! Down at the cross.

Thank God for the Blood. My sins would have remained but for the shed blood from Calvary.

So beautiful! God you saved those who wrote the hymn, because I can see Your great work through them. May You do so to me too!