Upon the Cross of Calvary
184

Text: Vilate Raile (1890–1954; LDS)
Music: Leroy J. Robertson (1896–1971; LDS)
Tune name: MARIAN

Poetic and musical inspiration combine in this brief but memorable sacrament hymn. Three times the hymn invites us to envision the Savior “upon the cross,” and each time that sacrifice is shown with a different emphasis: first, the blood that he shed for us; second, the overcoming of death; and third, the gift of “new birth” to all through the Savior’s atonement.

J. Spencer Cornwall pointed out that although this hymn is a popular sacrament hymn, its text is at least as appropriate for Easter (see Stories of Our Mormon Hymns, 232).

The tune name, MARIAN, honors Dr. Marian Robertson (Mrs. W. Keith Wilson), daughter of the composer.