THE OLD RUGGED CROSS

The Reverend George Bennard (1873-1958) is the author of this classic hymn which has been one of the favorites of believers for many years. I chose it this week because it has so much meaning for us during this Easter season. It is said that "On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross" was as far as he could get with the hymn until he was heckled by some youths during a revival meeting, after which the rest of the words began to flow. Most sources say he wrote the first verse and the original version of the chorus in Albion, Michigan. Additional verses were written as he traveled his itinerate circuit. Charles H. Gabriel, a well-known gospel-song composer, helped Bennard with the harmonies. He made the final changes while staying in the parsonage of the Rev. and Mrs. Leroy O. Bostwick, who had asked for his help with a two-week revival at the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Pokagon, Michigan. He sang the final completed version for the first time in its entirety at a revival meeting on June 7, 1913, and then had the choir of five, accompanied by a guitar, sing it from his penciled notes. Published in 1915, the song was popularized during Billy Sunday evangelistic campaigns by two members of his campaign staff, Homer Rodeheaver (who bought rights to the song for $500) and Virginia Asher, who were perhaps also the first to record it in 1921. Meditate upon these words as we remember and celebrate the death and ressurection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

(1) 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.

(2) 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.

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.

(3) 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.

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.

(4) 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.

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.

Listen to it here. LISTEN