Charitie Lees Bancroft Grave

Hymn History: Before the Throne of God Above & Author: Charitie Lees Bancroft

“Thy way is best, my Father,
Though full of clouds, it be.”
(Charitie Lees Bancroft)

The Origin of the Hymn “Before the Throne of God Above”

Hymns have long served as theological guides, shaping the way believers understand and express their faith. Few hymns illustrate this better than “Before the Throne of God Above.” Written in the mid-nineteenth century, the hymn has been rediscovered in modern times and has become cherished by a new generation of worshipers. Its story is one of enduring truth, forgotten beauty, and renewal.

Charitie Lees Bancroft: The Author

The text of “Before the Throne of God Above” was written in 1863 by Charitie Lees Bancroft (later Charitie Lees de Chenez), an Irish woman with a heart for Christian devotion. She was born in 1841 in Bloomfield, County Dublin, the daughter of an Anglican clergyman, the Rev. Sidney Smith Bancroft. Growing up in a household of faith, she was nurtured in the doctrines of Scripture and exposed to the hymns and prayers of the Anglican tradition.

Charitie was only twenty-two when she wrote the hymn. At that time, it was entitled “The Advocate” and first appeared in the Supplement to the Hymnal (1863). She went on to publish several other hymns, though none achieved the same lasting influence as this one. In later life she married a Frenchman, Arthur de Chenez, and moved to Switzerland and then to the United States before eventually returning to Northern Ireland.

The Theology of the Text

The strength of “Before the Throne of God Above” lies in its profound theological depth. Written in three stanzas, it draws heavily from the language of the New Testament, especially the Epistle to the Hebrews, which presents Jesus as the believer’s great High Priest.

The first stanza emphasizes the believer’s security in Christ, who intercedes before God’s throne. The second stanza celebrates the believer’s union with Christ—His righteousness becomes ours. The third stanza looks to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, assuring that sin is defeated and the believer is safe in Him.

In an age when many hymns leaned heavily on sentimentality, Charitie’s words stood out for their clarity, doctrinal strength, and Scriptural resonance. The hymn gives worshipers not only comfort but also a concise confession of faith in Christ’s atoning work and heavenly intercession.

Early Publication and Use

Although written in 1863, the hymn did not become widely known immediately. For many years it appeared in British hymnals, including Hymns of the Heart (1873) and Sacred Songs and Solos compiled by Ira D. Sankey, the famed gospel singer associated with Dwight L. Moody’s revivals. However, compared with other hymns of that era, it received relatively modest attention.

For over a century, “Before the Throne of God Above” was sung occasionally in certain circles but never achieved the widespread popularity of hymns like “Rock of Ages” or “Holy, Holy, Holy.” It seemed destined to remain a hidden gem in the hymnals of the nineteenth century.

Rediscovery in the Twentieth Century

The hymn began to gain new life in the late twentieth century. Its resurgence was largely due to a fresh musical setting that captured the depth of the words. In 1997, Vikki Cook of Sovereign Grace Ministries composed a new melody for the text. Her tune, combined with modern arrangements, introduced the hymn to contemporary congregations.

This revival was timely. Many Christians in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries were longing for songs with deeper theological content, and “Before the Throne of God Above” met that need. Its rich Scriptural imagery and Christ-centered focus resonated with worshipers seeking both heartfelt devotion and doctrinal clarity.

Lasting Legacy

Today, the hymn is sung around the world in both traditional and contemporary settings. Some congregations continue to sing it with the older tune associated with “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” while many use the newer melody by Vikki Cook. Regardless of the tune, the hymn’s power lies in its words—words that remind believers of Christ’s intercession, His righteousness, and His victory over sin.

Charitie Lees Bancroft likely never imagined that her youthful poem would one day become one of the most beloved hymns of the global church. Yet her work stands as a testament to the enduring truth of Scripture: Christ is the believer’s Advocate, Priest, and Redeemer.

Conclusion

The origin of “Before the Throne of God Above” traces back to a young Irish woman’s devotion in 1863. Though it remained little known for more than a century, its rediscovery and resurgence show how timeless truths can find fresh voice in new generations. The hymn’s rich theology, rooted in the Epistle to the Hebrews, assures believers that their hope is secure—not in themselves, but in Christ alone.

With its simple yet profound message, the hymn continues to give worshipers words to proclaim with confidence: before God’s throne, we stand secure in the righteousness and intercession of Jesus Christ.