The Old Rugged Cross:

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

The emblem of suffering and shame;

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Chorus:

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

'Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it someday for a crown.

O the old rugged cross, so despised by the world,

Has a wondrous attraction for me;

For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above

To bear it dark Calvary.

(Chorus)

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,

A wondrous beauty I see;

For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died

To pardon and sanctify me.

(Chorus)

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,

It's shame and reproach gladly bear;

Then He'll call me some day to my home far away,

Where His glory forever I'll share.

(Chorus)

~George Bennard

George Bennard

(1873 – 1958)

"The inspiration came to me one day in 1913, when I was staying in Albion, Michigan," George Bennard wrote about the composition of this hymn. "I began to write 'The Old Rugged Cross.' I completed the melody first. The words that I first wrote were imperfect. The words of the finished hymn were put into my heart in answer to my own need. Shortly thereafter it was introduced at special meetings in Pokagon, Michigan, on June 7, 1913.

Bennard had served with the Salvation Army before being ordained. By this time he was carrying on revival services throughout the Midwest. After its debut at Pokagon, the song was presented at an evangelistic convention in Chicago. Participants then took it back to their homes throughout the country.

When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him Who judges justly. He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2: 23 - 25