- Collections
Log in to make the most of Hymnary.org collections.
The Old Rugged Cross
 | On a hill far away stood an old rugged crossAuthor: George Bennard (1913)Tune: OLD RUGGED CROSS Published in 262 hymnals Printable scores: PDF, SibeliusAudio files: MIDI | |
Author: George Bennard
George Bennard (February 4, 1873 – October 10, 1958) was an American hymn composer and preacher. He is best known for composing the famous hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross".
Bennard was born in the coal-mining and iron-production town of Youngstown, Ohio. When he was still a child, his parents relocated the family to Albia, Iowa. Some time later, they moved again to Lucas, Iowa.[1] Although the young Bennard aspired to become a Christian evangelist, he was compelled to support his mother and sisters when his father died suddenly.[1]
Evangelical and musical careers
After marrying, Bennard became active in the Salvation Army and preached throughout the United States and Canada.[1] He spent much of his life in Michigan and Wisconsin. As a… Go to person page >For Leaders
Text:
This hymn was begun in 1912 by George Bennard as he was holding evangelistic meetings in Michigan. He was contemplating the meaning of the cross, and was inspired to begin the song while meditating on John 3:16. He was unable to finish it, however, until early in 1913, while holding another series of evangelistic services. The song soon achieved wide popularity when it was introduced by evangelist Homer Rodeheaver.
This text was not accepted by most major hymnals until the 1950s, despite great popularity. One reason was the prohibitive fee charged by the copyright owner. Another was the somewhat controversial nature of a hymn expressing such great affection for the cross itself, rather than for Christ, the one who died there.
Tune:
George Bennard wrote the tune OLD RUGGED CROSS with the text in 1912-1913. Charles H. Gabriel helped him complete the manuscript. It is a gospel hymn tune with a refrain, during which the lower voices echo the melody. There is some disagreement in different congregations about the exact rhythm of the opening line, because the natural rhythm of the words and the written rhythm of the music do not exactly align.
When/Why/How:
Because of the hymn’s focus on the cross, and its meaning for the believer, this hymn is most suited to Lent and Easter, though it may be sung at any time of year. Try combining this hymn with other hymns on the theme of the cross, presenting different aspects of its meaning, such as “The Old Rugged Cross” in medley with “At the Cross,” “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” set here for handbells. An accompaniment with a darker mood can help to emphasize the reality of “the emblem of suffering and shame,” as does Joel Raney’s choral setting of “The Old Rugged Cross,” based on George Bennard’s tune. The mood of the orchestral accompaniment is dark at first, evoking the suffering that the cross entails, but ends on a more joyful note, echoing the line “where His glory forever I’ll share.”
Tiffany Shomsky Hymnary.org
