In the Cross of Christ I Glory

Author: John Bowring (1792–1872)
Composer: Ithamar Conkey (1815–1867)
Tune Name: Rathbun
Meter: 87.87
Scripture Reference: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Galatians 6:14 (KJV)
Also see: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” — 1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV)

The beloved hymn “In the Cross of Christ I Glory” is said to have been inspired by an unforgettable image witnessed by Sir John Bowring during a visit to Macao, on the southern coast of China. There, overlooking the harbor, stood the ruins of an ancient Portuguese cathedral, destroyed long ago by a typhoon. Only one wall remained—rising high and crowned by a large bronze cross. This powerful image of the enduring cross standing firm amid the ruins is believed to have deeply moved Bowring and eventually gave rise to the hymn’s timeless theme: the eternal glory of Christ's cross.

John Bowring was born on October 17, 1792, in Exeter, Devon, England. Widely regarded as one of the most gifted linguists of his time, Bowring reportedly mastered five languages by the age of sixteen—entirely without a teacher. Over the course of his life, he became fluent in over 100 languages and dialects and was an active member of nearly every learned society across Europe. Bowring gained prominence not only as a linguist but also as a translator, biographer, naturalist, economist, politician, and philanthropist. He authored works in literature, politics, economics, and theology, publishing an impressive thirty-six volumes. He served two terms in the British House of Commons and was appointed Governor of Hong Kong in 1854, the same year he was knighted by Queen Victoria for his outstanding public service. Despite his many accomplishments, Bowring is perhaps best remembered for the humble and enduring hymn, “In the Cross of Christ I Glory.” The words of this hymn are even engraved on his tombstone—a lasting testimony to his faith.

The tune most commonly associated with the hymn, Rathbun, has its own moving backstory. It was composed in 1851 by Ithamar Conkey, who served as organist and choirmaster at Central Baptist Church in Norwich, Connecticut. On one particular Sunday during Lent, Conkey was disheartened when only a single choir member showed up for the morning service—a devoted soprano named Mrs. Beriah S. Rathbun. Deeply disappointed by the choir’s lack of attendance, Conkey left the service abruptly after playing the prelude. However, later that day, reflecting on his hasty departure and the text of the morning’s hymn—“In the Cross of Christ I Glory”—which had been set to an uninspiring and outdated tune, Conkey was moved to write a new melody. Before the evening service, he composed the tune that would come to be known as Rathbun, naming it in honor of the one faithful choir member who had remained at her post. He later described the inspiration for the tune as a stark contrast to the frustration he had felt that morning.

Throughout church history, the cross has remained the most enduring and universally recognized symbol of the Christian faith. There are said to be over 400 distinct forms of the cross, including the traditional Latin cross, the symmetrical Greek cross, and the Budded cross, whose three ends represent the Holy Trinity. Yet whatever its shape, the cross serves as a constant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for humanity’s redemption. In Bowring’s hymn, this symbol of suffering is transformed into a beacon of glory—a theme that has resonated with believers for generations.

“In the Cross of Christ I Glory” stands as both a personal expression of devotion and a universal call to Christians to center their lives upon the finished work of Christ. Whether sung in grand cathedrals, modest chapels, or during personal moments of prayer, its message continues to lift hearts toward the Savior who bore our burdens on Calvary.