Author: George Bennard (1873–1958)
Year Written: 1912

One of the most beloved hymns in Christian history, “The Old Rugged Cross” has stirred hearts around the world for over a century. With its vivid imagery of the crucifixion and its deep theological message about redemption through Christ, this classic hymn remains a mainstay in churches, revival meetings, and gospel singings. But behind its enduring message lies the story of a man who was moved by the gospel’s power and sought to share the meaning of Calvary through song.

George Bennard, a Methodist evangelist and hymn writer from Albion, Michigan, is the author and composer of “The Old Rugged Cross.” Born in Ohio in 1873 and raised in Iowa, Bennard grew up in modest conditions. His early life was marked by hardship, including the death of his father when George was still a teenager. Despite these trials, Bennard felt the call of ministry and dedicated his life to preaching the gospel. During his evangelistic travels, he often sang hymns to encourage his listeners and strengthen their faith.

The inspiration for the hymn came to Bennard during a particularly difficult season of ministry. After facing opposition and mockery while preaching on the cross of Christ, he began to meditate deeply on the meaning of Christ’s suffering and sacrifice. He later recalled, “I was praying for a full understanding of the cross and its plan in Christianity.” Over time, the words “I’ll cherish the old rugged cross” took root in his heart and grew into a fully formed hymn. He wrote the first verse and chorus while holding revival meetings in Michigan and completed the rest of the hymn while staying at the home of friends in Pokagon, Michigan.

The hymn opens with:

“On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame...”

This powerful image captures both the humiliation of the Roman crucifixion and the glory of God’s redemptive plan. Though the cross was a symbol of shame in Roman society, Bennard’s lyrics proclaim it as the Christian’s highest treasure. It is at the cross where sin was paid for, where grace was extended, and where salvation was won.

Each stanza of the hymn presents a different aspect of the believer’s relationship to the cross. It speaks of clinging to the cross through life’s trials, bearing reproach for Christ’s sake, and ultimately exchanging the cross for a crown in heaven. The refrain expresses the longing hope of every believer:

“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 someday for a crown.”

This theme of sacrificial love and eternal reward resonated deeply with congregations from the very beginning. The first public performance of the song was in 1913 at a revival meeting led by Bennard. Shortly after, the hymn was published and spread rapidly through churches and hymnals. It became especially popular during times of national hardship, including the Great Depression and both World Wars, as believers found strength in the message of hope that comes through Christ’s cross.

Though Bennard wrote many other hymns during his lifetime, none achieved the lasting fame of “The Old Rugged Cross.” In his later years, he often said that this hymn was a gift from God and not his own doing. He never took credit for the impact it had on countless lives. In recognition of his contribution to gospel music, a monument was erected in his honor in Pokagon, Michigan, where the hymn was completed.

Today, over a century after it was written, “The Old Rugged Cross” continues to be one of the most treasured hymns of the Christian faith. It points believers back to the foundation of their salvation—the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ—and calls them to live in the shadow of the cross until they see their Savior face to face.

As the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:14 (KJV):

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”

Like the hymn, this verse reminds us that the cross is not only a historical event but also the believer’s present identity. And just as Bennard cherished the old rugged cross, so too should every Christian cling to it with all their heart.

Listen to this Hymn on YouTube: Here