The Old Rugged Cross

This is a country-gospel / ballad style hymn of adoration, which meditates on the cross that Jesus was crucified on.

It was written by American hymn composer, Salvation Army preacher and later ordained minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, George Bennard (1873-1958). He started working on the song in 1912 at Albion College in Michigan, USA.

With meter 6.6.8.6.6.8.9.9.9.9, it is set to an unnamed tune written by Bennard, with assistance from Chas Gabriel.

Downloads

This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).

PowerPoint slides

Downloadable arrangement for piano, voice and guitar, 3 pages

Downloadable lead-sheet arrangement

Examples

Country-style signer with band, words on-screen

Choir with organ, recorded for web-streamed service:

Choir and congregation with worship pastor and piano:

Large congregation with band:

Singer with band, professional recording:

Irish folk-band:

Close-harmony quartet - unaccompanied:

Singer with piano and fiddle:

Instrumental - guitar:

Instrumental - organ:

Lyrics

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.

Refrain:
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,
such 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.