Old Rugged Cross

ÔÇŁThe cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.? Galatians 6:14







Courtesy of Old Rugged Cross Historical Museum



Words & Music: George Bennard, 1913 (MI­DI, score).







The Old Rugged Cross was writ­ten in Al­bi­on, Mi­chi­gan. Or Po­ka­gon, Mi­chi­gan. Or Stur­geon Bay, Wis­con­sin. All three towns claim to be the birth­place of this hymn.







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







In that 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.







Refrain







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.







Refrain