On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross / The emblem of suff'ring and shame / And I love that old cross where the dearest and best / For a world of lost sinners was slain. It has since been included in numerous hymnals and recordings by contemporary artists. Loved for its lilting melody and words of personal trust in the cross of Christ, "The Old Rugged Cross" remains one of the most cherished hymns of the Christian faith. He traveled throughout the Midwest, holding revivals until his retirement in Reed City, Michigan, more than 30 years later. In 1910, stepping out in faith, Bennard resigned and began his own itinerant ministry.
Today, that same church building, originally a hops barn, is owned by the non-profit Old Rugged Cross Foundation and welcomes thousands of visitors annually. The Bostwicks were moved to tears and incorporated the song in the revival service on June 7, 1913.įirst, Bennard sang his hymn with guitar accompaniment, and then a five-voice choir sang with organ and violin accompaniment. Leroy and Ruby Bostwick, in the living room of the parsonage. The First Performance of the HymnĪfter completing the hymn, he performed the song in its entirety for the sponsoring pastor and his wife, Rev. Several months later, the remaining three verses were completed in Pokagon, Michigan, where Bennard was leading meetings at a local church.
JESUS KEEP ME NEAR THE CROSS HISTORY SERIES
The melody came easily, and the first verse was completed by Bennard during a series of meetings in Albion, Michigan. I saw the Christ and the cross inseparable." He later recalled, "I seemed to have a vision. Troubled by their disregard for the gospel, Bennard turned to Scripture to reflect on the work of Christ on the cross. A Vision, a Melody and the Completion of the First Verse The year was 1912 and George Bennard, an evangelist traveling throughout the Midwest, was heckled incessantly by several youth at a revival meeting in Michigan.