San Francisco Central Seventh-day Adventist Church

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159 The Old Rugged Cross

Shelby Wylde, Cantor Both words and music of this very popular hymn were written in 1913 by George Bennard, minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Albion, Michigan, during a real soul struggle in which he was meditating on the theme of the cross and the importance it occupies in Christianity. The title words, "The Old Rugged Cross," came into his mind, and then followed the melody. In van he tried to fit words to the tune, trying on various occasions in different cities. Finally freedom of poetry came, and the words flowed freely from his mind. He sang the completed hymn at the parsonage of his friends, the Reverend and Mrs. L. O. Bostwick at Pokagon, Michigan. They liked it so much that they paid for its printing in Heart and Life Songs, 1915.

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.

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.

O 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.

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.

To that 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.

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.