I Peter 2:24
Words and Music by George Bennard, 1873-1958
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Seldom can a song leader suggest a time for favorites from any
congregation without receiving at least one request for "The Old
Rugged Cross." This gospel hymn, a sentimental favorite of
Christians and unsaved alike, was written by George Bennard in
1913. It is generally conceded to be the most popular of all
twentieth century hymns.
George Bennard was born in Youngstown, Ohio, but his parents
soon moved to Albia, Iowa, and later to the town of Lucas in the
same state. It was here that young George made his personal
acceptance of Christ as his Savior. Following the death of his
father before George was sixteen years of age, he entered the
ranks of the Salvation Army. Bennard and his first wife served
for a period of time as officers in this organization.
Consequently, Bennard was ordained by the Methodist Episcopal
Church, where his devoted ministry was highly esteemed. For some
time he was busily involved in conducting revival services,
especially throughout the states of Michigan and New York. One
time, after returning to Michigan, he passed through a trying
experience which caused him to reflect seriously about the
significance of the cross and what the Apostle Paul meant when
he spoke of entering into the fellowship of Christ's suffering.
As Bennard contemplated these truths, he became convinced that
the cross was more than just a religious symbol but rather the
very heart of the gospel. George Bennard has left the following
account regarding the writing of this hymn:
The inspiration came to me one day in 1913, when I was staying
in Albion, Michigan. I began to write "The Old Rugged Cross." I
composed the melody first. The words that I first wrote were
imperfect. The words of the finished hymn were put into my heart
in answer to my own need. Shortly thereafter it was introduced
at special meetings in Pokagon, Michigan on June 7, 1913. The
first occasion where it was heard outside of the church at
Pokagon was at the Chicago Evangelistic Institute. There it was
introduced before a large convention and soon it became
extremely popular throughout the country.
Shortly after writing this hymn, George Bennard sent a
manuscript copy to Charles Gabriel, one of the leading gospel
hymn composers of that era. Gabriel's prophecy, "You will
certainly hear from this song," was soon realized as "The Old
Rugged Cross" became one of the most widely published songs,
either sacred or secular, in this country.
Bennard continued his evangelistic ministries for forty
additional years following the writing of this hymn. He wrote
other favorite gospel hymns, but none ever achieved the response
of "The Old Rugged Cross." On October 9, 1958, at the age of
eighty-five, Bennard exchanged his "cross for a crown." He spent
the last years of his life by the "side of the road," a few
miles north of Reed City, Michigan. Near this home there still
stands a twelve foot high cross with the words, "'The Old Rugged
Cross'-Home of George Bennard, composer of this beloved hymn."
Although it has often been stated that we do not worship the
cross as such but rather the Christ of the cross, one cannot
ponder the truths of Christ's atonement without a keen awareness
of the centrality of the cross in God's plan of redemption for
lost mankind.
Quoted from "101 Hymn Stories" by Kenneth Osbeck. Kregel Publishers, P.O. Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501, 1982.
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