Today’s hymn was written by Evangelist George Bennard 1873–1958. In his own words he wrote of thIs hymn: “in the year 1913, Rev. George Bennard, then living at Albion, Michigan, and making a special study of the Cross in God’s plan of redemption, seemed strangely moved to compose this song. Soon after he began to write it he went to New York state to conduct some special evangelistic services, and after getting settled continued to work on it, but seemed to make but little headway, so for the time-being laid it aside. He returned to Michigan to conduct another series of meetings and it was during this time that he was called to pass through a rather trying experience at which time he caught a new vision of the Cross and began to see its deeper meaning. As he visualized the Saviour of men going outside the City he loved so well, bearing the Cross on which He was to give His matchless life on the skull-shaped hill for a sin-cursed and ruined world, he was able to finish the song1. Enjoy!
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 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.
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 that 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.
Refrain
1hymnologyarchive.com/the-old-rugged-cross#:~:text=In%20his%20own%20Story%20of,moved%20to%20compose%20this%20song.
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