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.
Refrain
So Ill 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.
Refrain
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.
Refrain
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then Hell call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever Ill share.
Refrain
During the early years of his ministry, Rev. George Bennard was
praying for a full understanding of the cross and its plan in
Christianity.
Consequently, he spent many hours in study, prayer and meditation,
until he could say, I saw the Christ of the cross as if I were seeing
John 3:16 leave the printed page, take form and act out the meaning of
redemption.
During these days the theme of what was to be his most successful song
came to him.
He was staying in the Methodist parsonage at Pokagon, Michigan, while
engaged in series of service in the Pokagon Church when he finally
perfected his song and wrote down the words and music.
Old Rugged Cross Day is observed annually at this Church, and on a
large stone nearby is carved the names of the original singers and the
significance of the event.
The song became immediately popular.
Introduced before a large convention in Chicago, its fame spread
rapidly throughout the Christian world.
Today, a twelve-foot high wooden cross stands on a roadside near Reed
City, Michigan, honoring the composer. On it are the words Old Rugged
Cross. A sign reminds passersby that this is the Home of Living
Author, Rev. Geo. Bennard.
