1
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame,
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
The emblem of suff’ring 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.
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
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.
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
To bear it to dark Calvary.
3
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.
A wondrous beauty I see;
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
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Kampala, Uganda
The greatest gospel song of all time, in the past 100 years.
Lanham, Maryland, United States
If not the old rugged cross who/what else do I have to cling on? this is my tune of all tunes. God bless GB.
Detroit, MI, United States
@David of Granger, IN 11/8/2010: The address of the church where this hymn was 1st sung is:
60041 Vermont Street
Pokagon, MI 49120
The hymn sing is the 1st Sunday (not Saturday) evening of each month, May-Sept.
The restoration of this historical church building (basically a barn) is being led by Dr. Melchizedek Ponniah, whose grandfather, the son of a Hindu priest, converted to Christianity in the early 1900's after hearing this song sung at a revival meeting in Tamil Nadu, India.
There is also an Old Rugged Cross museum in Reed City, MI, near George Bennard's home.
I have not been to either of these places yet, but hope to this summer as I live in Michigan.
"The inspiration came to me one day in 1913 when I was staying in Albion, MI. I began to write 'The Old Rugged Cross.' I completed the melody 1st. The words that I first wrote were imperfect. The words of the finished hymn were put into my heart in answer to my own need. Shortly thereafter it was introduced at special meetings in Pokagon, MI on June 7, 1913." - George Bennard
George Bennard had served with the Salvation Army before being ordained in the Methodist Episcopal Church. By this time he was carrying on revival services throughout the Midwest. After it's debut at Pokagon, the song was presented at an evangelistic convention in Chicago. Participants then took it back to their homes throughout the country. - Great Songs of Faith by Brown & Norton
Ternopil, Ternopil Oblast, Ukraine
I'll ever cherish the old rugged cross. This hymn puts me into a sober reflection each time I hear or think of it....May God's name be praised in all the corners of the world, Amen.
Wheeling, West Virginia, United States
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever because of that old rugged cross. Thank You Lord Jesus, come quickly.
Accra, Ghana
I love this song because it make me reflect the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. May His name be praised, Amen.
Falls Church, VA, United States
This brings back so many memories of my church back home. Each time I listen, I get a peaceful feeling. So great to have a website that I can interact with to bring peace of mind as I struggle with health issues.
Beaufort, S C, United States
This is truly a beautiful website. Heart felt music. I will definitely be coming back to this site. It inspires me to continue with piano lessons. God bless you!
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
The Old Rugged Cross, a favorite hymn of my mom!. Truly the foundation of our FAITH in CHRIST.
San Bernardino, California, United States
I love my rugged cross, I love JESUS..