The Old Rugged Cross - One of My Favorite Hymns

I love Gospel music, and I have been reflecting on what my favorite old hymns are. I love best the old hymns and thought it might be interesting to write my thoughts on several of my favorites.

"The Old Rugged Cross" has to be one of my favorite hymns of all times. This hub is dedicated to and with resources as my tribute to this beloved song!

As a Christian believer for over 50 years, I believe the message of this sacred hymn is my testimony.  This well-liked Christian song was written in 1912 by evangelist and song-leader George Bennard (1873-1958), and though the years have passed, there is freshness every time I sing this beloved song.

George Bennard, was a resident of Youngstown, Ohio but was raised in Iowa. He was converted in a Salvation Army meeting. Later, he and his wife developed into brigade leaders. After that they left the group to become part of the Methodist Church. Bennard became Methodist evangelist. He wrote the first verse of this beloved hymn in Albion, Michigan, in the fall of 1912.

 He was lodging in the Methodist parsonage at Pokagon, Michigan when he penned these masterful words.  Bennard had long been praying for a fuller understanding of the meaning of the Cross of Christ to Christianity and himself. After many hours of study and meditation, he says it all became so real to him as if reading John 3:16 coming alive and taking form.

While holding a  series of service in the Pokagon Church, he finally perfected his song and wrote down the words and music.

Charles H. Gabriel, a popular gospel-song writer and composer helped Bennard with the harmonies. The finalized version was first perfected and performed on June 7th, 1913, by a five-member choir in Pokagon Michigan. The songwas published in 1915. It became popular during the revival campaigns of Billy Sunday (performed by Homer Rodeheaver (who bought rights to the song for $500) and Virginia Asher, who were perhaps also the first to record it in 1921).

"The Old Rugged Cross", continually and  enormously popular, has been presented by some of the twentieth century's most important recording artists.  Among them are:

• Al Green,
• Anne Murray,
• Brad Paisley,
• Chet Atkins,
• Elvis Presley,
• Floyd Cramer,
• George Jones,
• Jim Reeves,
• Johnny Cash
• Kevin Max,
• Mahalia Jackson,
• Merle Haggard,
• Patsy Cline,
• Loretta Lynn,
• Ray Price,
• Ricky Van Shelton,
• Tennessee Ernie Ford,
•  Rahsaan Roland Kirk,
• Roy Rogers
• Sons of the Pioneers,
• The Oak Ridge Boys,
• The Statler Brothers,
• Vince Gill,
• Willie Nelson,
• George Beverly Shea.

The blessed hymn of hymns speaks of the writer’s personal encounter with Jesus Christ as his Savior.  It is also my testimony of salvation. 

 John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.