Lyrics: Jan Howard. Old Rugged Cross.

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

Courtesy of Old Rugged Cross Historical Museum
Words & Music: George Bennard, 1913 (MIA­DI, score).

The Old Rugged Cross was writA­ten in AlA­biA­on, MiA­chiA­gan. Or PoA­kaA­gon, MiA­chiA­gan. Or SturA­geon Bay, WisA­conA­sin. All three towns claim to be the birthA­place 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