The Old Rugged Cross
by Rev. George Bennard
"I was praying for a
full understanding for the cross and its plan in
Christianity. I read and studied and prayed. I saw
Christ and the Cross inseparably. The Christ of the
Cross became more than a symbol . . it was like seeing
John 3:16 (For God so loved the world, He gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not
perish, but have everlasting life.") leave the printed
page, take form and act out on the meaning of
redemption. While watching this scene with my mind's
eye, the theme of the song came to me, and with it the
melody." —Rev. George Bennard
"My late husband began writing this song in 1912, and he
wrote it over a period of a year. During that year he
went through a very severe 'life test' which inspired
him to write it. He told the story in every state of the
Union, except two, Utah and Louisiana." —Mrs. Hannah
Bennard
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.
Oh, 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 the 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.
