The History Of The Song Old Rugged Cross

George bennard by c.

The history of the song old rugged cross.

The old rugged cross soon came to the attention of homer rodeheaver the song leader for evangelist billy sunday and rodeheaver began using it in their evangelistic meetings. The old rugged cross is a popular hymn written in 1912 by evangelist and song leader george bennard. The old rugged cross is one of the most popular christian hymns in the english world. The old rugged cross during the early years of his ministry rev.

As a result the song quickly became a favorite. Bennard retired to reed city michigan and the town maintains a museum dedicated to his life and ministry. Back in 1913 george bennard was struggling with a problem that caused him much suffering. Refrain refrain to the old rugged cross i will ever be true its shame and reproach gladly bear then he ll call me someday to my home far away where his glory forever i ll share.

If someone approached you asking you to name america s most popular hymn no doubt many of you would respond with the old rugged cross it has been the most favored of the approximately 300. The old rugged cross is a popular hymn written in 1912 by evangelist and song leader george bennard and it speaks of the writer s adoration of christ and his sacrifice at calvary. In the old rugged cross stained with blood so divine such a wonderful beauty i see for twas on that old cross jesus suffered and died to pardon and sanctify me. Being a christian is not easy but.

His mind went back again and again to christ s anguish on the cross. Refrain refrain to the old rugged cross i will ever be true its shame and reproach gladly bear then he ll call me someday to my home far away where his glory forever i ll share. On a hill far away stood an old. The old rugged cross uses a sentimental popular song form with a verse chorus pattern in 6 8 time and it speaks of the writer s adoration of christ and his sacrifice at calvary.

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. It is a hymn that leads us to focus on what christ did on the cross and make his sacrifice our own.