The Old Rugged Cross

"The Old Rugged Cross," one of the world's best loved hymns, was composed in Albion, Michigan in 1912-1913 by the Reverend George   Bennard (1873-1958). The son of an Ohio coal miner, Bennard was a lifelong servant of God, chiefly in the Methodist ministry. He wrote the words and music of over three hundred other hymns. None achieved the fame of "The Old Rugged Cross," the moving summation of his faith.  Rev. Bennard was 85 years old when he "exchanged his cross for a crown."  

See website with a history of George Bennard and music played on piano of "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. 

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 some day for a crown.

O that 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 to dark Calvary.

In that 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.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He'll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share."

Used with permission by Eric Shindelbower - Huntsville, AL.  10/28/2002

Return to Church History 1913