by “The Old Rugged Cross” is a well-known Christian hymn written by George Bennard in 1913. The hymn has a poignant and moving story behind its creation. George Bennard, the author, was a Methodist evangelist and song leader. He was born in 1873 in Youngstown, Ohio, and had a deep faith in Christianity.
The inspiration for the hymn came during a revival meeting in Albion, Michigan, where Bennard was leading the music. During the service, he had a profound experience of faith and began reflecting on the significance of the cross of Jesus Christ. This experience led him to write “The Old Rugged Cross.”
Bennard’s words capture the essence of the Christian message, focusing on the redemptive power of the cross as a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice and the hope of salvation. The hymn reflects on the idea that while the cross may be seen as an emblem of suffering and shame, it is also a symbol of God’s love and grace. The lyrics express the idea of finding hope and peace through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
Here are Lyrics for the first stanza:
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
