stood an old rugged cross
The emblem of suffering and shame,
and I love the old cross
Where the dearest and best,
For a world of lost sinners was slain
So I cherish the old rugged cross,
till my thropies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it someday for a crown
On that old rugged cross,
so despised by the world
Has a wondrus attraction for me,
for the dear lamb of God
Left his glory above,
to bear it to dark calvary
In the old rugged cross,
stained with blood so divine
A wondrous beauty I see,
for t'was on that old rugged cross
Jesus suffered and died
to pardon and sanctify me
To the old rugged cross,
I will ever be true
It's shame and reproach gladly bear
Then he'll call me someday
To my home far away
where His glory forever I'll share.
Composer- George Bennard, 1873-1958
This hymn was written by George Bennard and consider to be the most popular of all twentieth century hymns.
George Bennard was born in Youngstown, Ohio, but his parents soon moved to Albia, Iowa and later to the top town of Lucas in the same state. It was here that Bennard made his personal acceptance of Christ as his Savior. Following the death of his father before George was sixteen years old, he entered the ranks of the Salvation Army
Consequently, Bennard was ordained by the Methodist Episcopal Church, where his devoted ministry was highly esteemed. For sometime he was busily involved in conductine revival services, specially throughout the state of Michigan, he passed through a trying experience which caused him to reflect seriously about the significance of the cross and what the Apostle Paul meant when he spoke of entering into fellowship of Christ's suffering. As Bennard contemplated these truths, he became convinced that the cross was more than just a religious symbol, but rather the very heart of the gospel. George Bennard has left the following account regarding the writing of this hymn:
"The inspiration come to me one day in 1913, when I was staying in Albion, Michigan. I began to write the "Old Rugged Cross," I composed the melody first. The words that I wrote first were imperfect. The words of the finished hymn were put into my heart in answer to my own need."
On October 9, 1958, at the age of eighty-five, Bennard exchanged his "cross for a crown." He spent the last years of his life by the 'side of the road,' a few miles north of Reed City, Michigan. Near this home there stands a twelve foot high cross with the words, "The Old Rugged Cross"- Home of George Bennard, composer of this beloved hymn.
Although it has often been stated that we do not worship the cross as such but rather the Christ of the Cross, one cannot ponder the truths of Christ's atonement without keen awareness of the centrality of the cross in God's plan of redemption for lost mankind.
