Jesus keep me near the cross - tune; Near the cross
Lyrics were written by prolific writer Frances Jane van Alstyne (1820-1915). Mrs van Alstyne (also known as Fanny Crosby) was blind from birth, but did not let that stop her from living a life of social campaigning, teaching, nursing and writing thousands of hymns, poems and religious works.
The tune "Near the Cross" was composed by William Howard Doane (1832-1915). He was an inventor and manufacturer, and attended a Baptist
Church in Cincinatti. His success in business enabled him to become a significant philanthropist. From a young age, he had shown
musical talent, and became a prolific composer of hymns, songs, choral and instrumental works.
The collaboration of Mrs van Alstyne and Mr Doane resulted in over 1500 new hymns, many of which are still included in modern hymn books.