Ithamar Conkey (1815–1867)

Ithamar Conkey, a beloved 19th-century English bass vocalist, died on April 30, 1867, at the age of 52. Remembered for a strong and steady voice, he was admired wherever sacred and civic music was sung in his day. Yet the church has not chiefly treasured him for applause or celebrity, but for what endured when his own voice was stilled: a tune that continues to carry the gospel on countless tongues.

Conkey’s life illustrates a quiet kind of heroism—faithfulness in the ordinary places where believers gather, labor, suffer, and worship. The singer who learns restraint, who supports others rather than eclipsing them, and who aims for clarity over display practices a humble courage that is often unseen but deeply needed.

RATHBUN and “In the Cross of Christ I Glory”

Conkey’s lasting gift to Christian worship is the hymn-tune RATHBUN, wedded in many hymnals to John Bowring’s text, “In the Cross of Christ I Glory.” The pairing is fitting: the tune is memorable without being showy, strong without being harsh—built to serve congregational praise rather than compete with it.

Its central theme is the believer’s boast: not in talent, not in taste, not in the singer, but in the crucified and risen Lord. “But as for me, may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). When a congregation sings of the cross, it is confessing that salvation is God’s work, not ours.

Sacred Music as Service

Conkey’s brief years continue to bear fruit wherever the cross is exalted in song. His story reminds musicians and congregations alike that sacred music is not performance but service—lifting weary hearts, teaching truth, and turning attention from the singer to the Savior.

In a distracted age, the church still needs melodies that help the word of Christ dwell richly among His people: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you… singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16). Wherever RATHBUN is sung with faith, Conkey’s work fulfills its highest purpose: directing praise to the Lord who was lifted up for us.