The Old Rugged Cross: A Gospel Music Classic

The Old Rugged Cross is a gospel music classic. The song was written in 1912 by George Bennard, and has been recorded by many artists over the years.

Introduction

The Old Rugged Cross is a gospel music classic. It was written in 1912 by George Bennard, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The song quickly gained popularity and has been recorded by numerous artists over the years.

The song is based on the popular hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross.” The lyrics tell the story of a man’s journey to the cross and his eventual salvation. The song has a simple, yet powerful message that has resonated with people for generations.

The Old Rugged Cross is a timeless gospel music classic that continues to inspire and bring hope to people all over the world.

The Song’s Origins

The Old Rugged Cross was written in 1912 by George Bennard, a minister who was born in Ohio and spent most of his life in the Midwest. Bennard was 64 years old when he wrote the song, which he said was inspired by a conversation he had with a young man who was dying of cancer. The young man told Bennard that he would not be afraid to face death if he could only see the old rugged cross.

George Bennard

George Bennard was born in Northern Ohio in 1873, the son of a Methodist minister. He began playing the organ at an early age in his father’s church. As a young man, he worked as a traveling evangelist and singer throughout the Midwest. It was during one of these trips, in 1912, that he wrote “The Old Rugged Cross.”

Bennard was holding a meeting in Albion, Michigan, when he was inspired to write the song. He later said that he saw “the cross as the world’s greatest symbol of sacrifice.” He completed the song that night and first sang it at a local revival meeting. The song was an instant hit and soon became a gospel music standard.

“The Old Rugged Cross” has been recorded by many artists over the years, including country music legend Hank Williams and pop singer Amy Grant. It remains one of the most popular gospel songs of all time.

The Song’s Composition

According to Albert E. Brumley’s biography, the idea for the song came to him while he was plowing a field on his farm in Moundville, Missouri in May 1928. He says he felt impressed by the Holy Spirit to start composing gospel songs and that the tune for “The Old Rugged Cross” came to him “in perfect order”, with the words and music coming together simultaneously. Brumley began work on the lyrics that day, writing them on scraps of paper as he finished various chores.

Brumley completed the song that evening and sang it for his family. His wife suggested he take it to a local singing convention in Coalgate, Oklahoma, where it was well received. The song was slow to catch on, however, and it was not until 1931 that it began to gain popularity after being adopted by Charles Gabriel, a well-known gospel singer and composer. “The Old Rugged Cross” quickly became one of the most popular gospel songs of all time and has been recorded by hundreds of artists over the years.

The Song’s Lyrics

On a hill far away stands 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. 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.

Meaning of the Lyrics

The Old Rugged Cross, written in 1912 by evangelist and song-leader George Bennard, is one of the most popular gospel songs of all time. With its simple message of faith and hope, the hymn has been recorded by hundreds of artists over the years, in styles ranging from country to rock.

The lyrics of The Old Rugged Cross tell the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and how his sacrifice made it possible for us to find forgiveness and eternal life. The first verse begins with the narrator telling us that he will “treasure” the old rugged cross, because it is through Christ’s death on the cross that we are saved. In the second verse, the narrator reflects on how Christ was mocked and ridiculed as he carried his cross to Calvary, but he did it out of love for us. In the third verse, we are reminded that it was on the cross that Christ died for our sins, and that his death gives us hope for eternal life. The fourth verse is a prayer, asking God to help us remember Christ’s sacrifice and to always be thankful for his gift of salvation.

The Old Rugged Cross is a beautiful hymn that reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for our salvation. It is a song that can be sung at any time, in any place, by anyone who believes in its message.

The Song’s Impact

The Old Rugged Cross is a gospel music classic that has been covered by many artists over the years. The song was written in 1912 by George Bennard, and it quickly became popular in churches across America. The song has been covered by artists such as Mahalia Jackson, Johnny Cash, and Alison Krauss. The Old Rugged Cross remains a popular choice for funerals and other solemn occasions.

Popularity of the Song

Although written in 1912, The Old Rugged Cross did not become widely known until George Bennard, its author, began singing it at evangelistic meetings in the Midwest about 1917. At one of these meetings in Spangle, Washington, a young James J. Stewart heard the song and was greatly impressed by it. He included it in his gospel songbook America’s Favorite Hymns, which he published in 1920. From there it began appearing in shape-note hymnals and then in more mainstream hymnals. It quickly became a standard among gospel songs and is now one of the most beloved hymns of all time.

The Song’s Legacy

The Old Rugged Cross remains one of the most popular gospel songs of all time. George Bennard wrote the song in 1912, and it was first performed in 1913. The song quickly became popular, and has been recorded by hundreds of artists over the years.

The Old Rugged Cross is a reminder that Jesus died on the cross so that we might have eternal life. The song is a moving testimony to the power of Jesus’ love, and has comforted countless people in times of trouble. The Old Rugged Cross is a Gospel music classic that will continue to inspire people for generations to come.