Written by George Bennard in 1912, The Old Rugged Cross has become one of the most beloved hymns of the 20th century. It speaks of reverence towards the cross on which Jesus died to save the world.
The Old Rugged Cross – Lyrics
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.
Oh, 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)
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
In the old rugged Cross,
stain’d 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)
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
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)
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.
