The Mississippi Mass Choir, Near The Cross | Music Lifts

In the 17th edition of Music Lifts (2025), we’re uplifted by The Mississippi Mass Choir performing “Near The Cross.”

Welcome to Music Lifts , a column highlighting songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs exuding fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 17^th edition of Music Lifts (2025), we highlight “Near The Cross” as performed by The Mississippi Mass Choir.

“Jesus, keep me near the cross / There’s a precious fountain.” “Near The Cross” is one of the great, great hymns of the church.  When I say the church, I mean many different Christian denominations.  This is a standard; a go-to. It was written by one of the greatest hymnists, Fanny Crosby. The Mississippi Mass Choir, one of the ‘baddest’ mass choirs in all the land, delivered a sublime rendition of “Near The Cross” on their 1987 album, The Mississippi Mass Choir.  The late, great Frank Williams (1947 – 1993), who founded the choir, sings lead on this inspirational gem. Besides founding The Mississippi Mass Choir, Williams was a member of The Williams Brothers at different points in his short-lived career, a member of The Jackson Southernaires, and a gospel music executive. “Near The Cross,” in the hands of Williams and The Mississippi Mass Choir, is an anointed, blessed musical experience.

“Near The Cross” commences with piano, with tasteful touches of organ joining the mix. Drums and bass enter at the end of the instrumental introduction. From there, Frank Williams performs a dynamic solo.  He sings the most famous verse (the first, excerpted above) and the second verse (“In the cross,  I’ll watch, I’ll watch and wait / Hoping, hoping and trusting, trusting ever”). During his solo, there are plenty of playful piano and organ riffs. During the second verse, he delivers some mean ad-libs and riffs filled with spirit and soul. The choir responds to Williams’ call after the first verse and chorus:

“Keep me here

(In the cross)

I wanna stay here

(In the cross)

Oh, be… my glory

(Be my glory ever)…”

The second iteration of the chorus includes moments where all instruments drop out save for drums. It showcases elite musicianship. It allows the harmonized choir to shine, as well as Williams’ anointed pipes. After the five-minute mark, there is additional contrast with a Mississippi Mass Choir female vocalist helping facilitate the outro (“He’ll give me wonderful rest” and “He’ll give me sanctified rest”). The choir vamps,  highlighted by Williams and the female lead.  Instrumentally, this includes the addition of pummeling drum riffs (keys and bass hit it, too) and synchronized hand claps.  So much can be said of “Near The Cross” by The Mississippi Mass Choir.  The musicianship is next level.  That said, the inspiration and magic of this song are best experienced by listening and letting it minister to you.

The Mississippi Mass Choir // The Mississippi Mass Choir // Malaco // 1987

The Mississippi Mass Choir, Near The Cross: Music Lifts No. 17 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Malaco; BD Jewel, Dave H, Jean-Daniel Francoeur, Joshua Brown, Vansh Mehta from Pexels; AcatXIo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]