Old Rugged Cross Lyrics - Jan Howard

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

Courtesy of Old Rugged Cross Historical Museum 

Words & Music: George Bennard, 1913 (MIDI, score). 

The Old Rugged Cross was written in Albion, Michigan. Or Pokagon, Michigan. Or Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. All three towns claim to be the birthplace 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