Bennard traveled with Ed E. Mieras from Chicago to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsinwhere they held evangeli… The composition of the song began in Albion, Michigan, late in 1912 and was finished during a revival in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where Bennard and his revival partner, Chicagoan Ed E. Mieras, premiered it as a duet on the last evening of the meeting, January 12, 1913. Music Leadership in the Church. Both hymns, though 1500 years apart, emphasize that the cross stands for something deeper: for Bennard, it was an “emblem of suffering and shame”; for Neale’s translation, the cross was a “symbol of the world’s redemption.”. Stanzas two and three refer to Christ on the cross. The Old Rugged Cross. The son of an Ohio coal miner, Bennard was a lifelong servant of God, chiefly in the Methodist ministry. A storied tradition originating deep in Kentucky. Friends Community Church has an outdoor memorial commemorating the first public performance of the hymn, and we take you there!#churchhistoryonlocation Routley, Erik. In stanza two, Christ is called the “dear Lamb of God” (John 1:29). George Bennard (1873-1958). Your community. none in foliage, none in blossom, 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. Nashville: Abingdon Press. Bennard's conversion at the age of 22 through the evangelistic ministry of the Salvation Army in Canton, Iowa, led to his ordination and commissioning as a traveling evangelist in 1898. by George Bennard. 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. Please confirm that you want to receive email from us. 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. In 1910, stepping out in faith, Bennard resigned and began his own itinerant ministry. I want to receive newsletters and other email from Discipleship Ministries. be for all the noblest tree; During the early years of his ministry, Rev. Save up to 80% by choosing the eTextbook option for ISBN: 9781532610578, 1532610572. The sign reads: “The Old Rugged Cross,” one of the world’s best-loved hymns, was composed here in 1912 by the Rev. GodTube Staff. It is a hymn that leads us to focus on what Christ did on the cross and make his sacrifice our own. Oct 18, 2013 - The Old Rugged Cross Hymn Study includes everything needed to study the hymn--hymn history, lyrics, sheet music, copywork, notebooking pages, & listening links. Carol Stream, IL: Agape, 1984. In true Routley style, he was candid and somewhat acerbic. . He is best known for composing the famous hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross. the emblem of suffering and shame; *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. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. His father was a tavern owner and later, a coal miner. He Changes Everything: “The Old Rugged Cross”- Mark 15:22-47 A man was driving down a backstreet in a small town . For some, this hymn stands for an era in American religious life that represents a personal faith at the exclusion of social holiness and an unredeemable sentimentalism. It even appears in an episode of the popular and long-running sci-fi series Doctor Who. Your Bible study. First, Bennard sang his hymn with guitar accompaniment, and then a five-voice choir sang with organ and violin accompaniment. Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year B, Home Amy Lambert (1995 Someone To Lean On) Anchormen (2008 Foundations) Anthony Burger (1991 Precious Memories; 1997 The Story; 1997 My Best To You; 2007 The Kingsmen Years; 2008 Hymns) Bill Gaither Trio (1990 Hymn Classics) Billy Byrd (???? Bennard was born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1873 and spent his childhood in Iowa. (*Refrain). Want to get in touch? 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. 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. Upon the renewal of the copyright 28 years later, he received a final payment of $5,000. Each reflects on key symbols of Holy Week – the cross of Good Friday and the garden of the Resurrection. These four lives intersected to form the song The Old Rugged Cross Made the Difference. The Old Rugged Cross A History of the Atonement in Popular Christian Devotion by Ben Pugh and Publisher Cascade Books. Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. In stanza one, though the cross is an “emblem of suffering and shame,” the singer still “loves that old cross.” In stanza two, though the cross is “despised by the world,” it still “has a wondrous attraction to me.” In stanza three, though the cross is “stained with blood,” for the singer, it still has a “wondrous beauty.”. He looked up into the rear view mirror, and noticed the flashing lights of … The Old Cross Made the Difference. "The Old Rugged Cross" (George Bennard/Public Domain) Also called Old Rugged Cross. Symbol of the world’s redemption,for your burden makes us free. The United Methodist Hymnal, No. In stanza one, he describes the cross “on a hill far away,” though one may still picture the scene as if kneeling at the foot of the cross. The melody came easily, and the first verse was completed by Bennard during a series of meetings in Albion, Michigan. Select an option and chat directly with a member of our support team. He felt that it is a hymn of “unspeakable vulgarity,” though allowing that “it has said something authentic to somebody” (Routley, 1967, 96). The Old Rugged … His mind went back again and again to Christ’s anguish on the cross. To ensure you receive the best experience on Lifeway.com, we use cookies to process information about your visit. Everything in history is measured as B.C. Returning to the initial comment that many love this gospel song, and many love to hate it, this may be the result of the hymn’s emblematic nature. "The Old Rugged Cross," one of the world's best-loved hymns, was composed here in 1912 by the Rev. Mahalia Jackson made a notable recording of the song on her album, Mahalia Jackson Sings the Best-Loved Hymns of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1968). Several months later, the remaining three verses were completed in Pokagon, Michigan, where Bennard was leading meetings at a local church. Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymns Stories, 101 Hymn Stories: The Inspiring True Stories Behind the Hymns. “The Old Rugged Cross” has this distinction in several films, including Pennies from Heaven (1978) and Gridlock (2007). and exchange it some day for a crown. The famous Latin hymn “Pange lingua gloriosi corporis mysterium” (“Sing, my tongue, the Savior’s glory,/Of his flesh, the mystery sing;”) by Venantius Honorius Clementianus Fortunatus (b. c. 530–d. You are currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. The Old Rugged Cross Hymn History. The son of an Ohio coal miner, Bennard was a lifelong servant of God, chiefly in the Methodist ministry. He wrote the words and music of over 300 other hymns. History of Hymns: “The Old Rugged Cross”, The Old Rugged Cross Once restored as closely as possible to its 1913 appearance, the church will serve as a museum, preserving the history of the hymn and the community. Oswald Chambers writes, “The Cross did not happen to Jesus: He came on purpose for it.” Chambers adds, “The whole meaning of the Incarnation is the Cross. Read Through the Bible This Year with CSB Every Day with Jesus Daily Bible, Get the Latest from Priscilla Shirer Today, Join Your Favorite Authors for a Virtual Event, Become a Super Host and Save on 2021 Simulcasts, Order Curriculum, Literature, and Church Supplies, by Eric Wyse on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at 12:00 AM. In 1998, the Old Rugged Cross Foundation Inc. was formed to restore the original church building in Pokagon. During this Easter season, we are reminded about our religious heritage, and the great contribution Albion has made with one of the most beloved hymns of all time composed here: “The Old Rugged Cross.” “The Old Rugged Cross” has proven to be extremely popular as a country gospel solo recorded by numerous artists: Ernest Tubb, Andy Griffith, Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash and June Carter, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Willie Nelson, and many more. Reminder: You are currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. In many ways, this hymn stands in a long line of devotional poetry that venerates the cross in some way. And I love that old cross, where the dearest and best, for a world of lost sinners was slain. As a young boy, he moved with his family from Ohio to Iowa, where his father worked as a coal miner. by George BennardThe United Methodist Hymnal, No. Emotions run deeply in this form of devotion. Black Church Leadership & Family Conference. George Bennard (1873–1958). The print version of this textbook is ISBN: 9781625647429, 1625647425. We'd love to hear from you. Morning Star, April 5, 1993, pg. Furthermore, he adds to the hypotyposis by noting that the cross is “stained with blood.”, Another poetic technique employed effectively by the composer is that of paradox. [7] A stanza displaying veneration for the cross was included in the translation by John Mason Neale (1818-1866), the English translator of many Latin and Greek hymns: Faithful cross, true sign of triumph, Both compositions were completed virtually at the same time (1913) by American Methodists. Leroy and Ruby Bostwick, in the living room of the parsonage. While going through some personal spiritual troubles, George Bennard began to reflect on the meaning of the Cross and penned the words, “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 … George Bennard was a native of Youngstown, Ohio, but was reared in Iowa. He later recalled, "I seemed to have a vision ... . Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. Bennard retired to Reed City, Michigan , and the town maintains a museum dedicated to his life and ministry. The Old Rugged Cross (song and hymn history) - YouTube. The Bostwicks were moved to tears and incorporated the song in the revival service on June 7, 1913. This book can be obtained here: http://livinghymns.org/resources.aspxOn a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of … United Methodist Hymnal editor Carlton Young, a jazz lover (and player) and close friend of Routley’s who was with him in Nashville at the time of Routley’s death, notes that he appreciated its attraction as a “compelling witness for the gospel in this hymn, despite its perceived theological and musical shortcomings” (Young, 1993, 643). none in fruit your equal be; Early years. Furthermore, the tradition of this era would have placed extreme value on the mysterious power of actually having in one’s possession a holy relic, a piece, even a sliver, of Christ’s actual cross. * Indicated Required Field See our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. (*Refrain), To the old rugged cross I will ever be true / Its shame and reproach gladly bear / Then He'll call me someday to my home far away / Where His glory forever I'll share. 4. (877) 899-2780, Discipleship Ministries is an agency of The United Methodist Church© 2021 Discipleship Ministries. Nothing is more personal than prayer. The completed song was first published in Heart and Life Songs for the Church, Sunday School, Home, and Campmeeting (1915), edited by Bennard and two other colleagues. George Bennard was “praying for a full understanding of the cross and its plan in Christianity.”. C. Michael Hawn is University Distinguished Professor of Church Music, Perkins School of Theology, SMU. You are the church, and Lifeway is here to serve you with biblical resources for everything life brings your way. . View staff by program area to ask for additional assistance. Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B, Living the Resurrection From this point, it became a staple of Billy Sunday’s evangelistic crusades, promoted by his chief musician Homer Rodeheaver (1880-1955), who eventually bought the rights to the song. British hymnologist Erik Routley (1917-1982) offered his opinion of this hymn in a text published in 1967. I saw the Christ and the cross inseparable.". The Old Rugged Cross. Behind every support specialist, Bible study editor, graphic designer, and accountant is a Sunday School teacher, kids volunteer, or small group leader. 504. Nashville, TN 37212 History is His story. Story behind the Hymn When polls are taken to determine the most popular American hymns, invariably near the top of the list is “The Old Rugged Cross.” It has been the most favored of the approximate 300 songs written by George Bennard. Learn the story behind The Old Rugged Cross, written over a hundred years ago, and performed in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. I encourage you to read Something Beautiful for the full details on each of these four men. The Old Rugged Cross Hymn History The Old Rugged Cross is one of the most popular Christian hymns in the English world. (*Refrain), In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine / Such a wonderful beauty I see / For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died / To pardon and sanctify me. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The Bostwicks were so taken by the song that they offered to pay the costs of printing it. . The History Behind "The Old Rugged Cross". It was April 14, 1906 when Pastor Ruth’s Great Aunt Helen Allen was led to Los Angeles, California. George Bennard. And I love that old Cross where the dearest and best. Troubled by their disregard for the … Bennard was born into a very modest family in Youngstown, Ohio in 1873. “The Old Rugged Cross” is still the most frequently requested hymn; and the most popular spiritual song of … This gospel hymn favorite was written by a self-taught, traveling worship leader—later recorded by numerous artists including Bart Millard of MercyMe, Kevin Max of dc Talk, Amy Grant and Selah. THE OLD RUGGED CROSS. Both songs speak from a first-person perspective, composed in a ballad style (6/8 meter) with refrains. Bennard, on the other hand, venerated the cross as a devotional object that one may eventually “exchange it some day for a crown.” Both are a means of redemption, but viewed through very different forms of piety. The Old Rugged Cross uses a sentimental popular song form with a verse/chorus pattern in 6 8 time, and it speaks of the writer's adoration of Christ and His sacrifice at Calvary. Two years later, Bennard sold the copyright to the song for a payment of $500, forgoing future royalties. We're sorry, an error occurred. for a world of lost sinners was slain. George Bennard (1873-1958) was born in Ohio, but raised in Iowa. (CHORUS) So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down. The Cross is the center of time and of eternity.” Christ changed the history of the world. Hymn History: The Old Rugged Cross During a period of spiritual struggling, George Bennard (1873-1958) started to study and contemplate the cross of Christ. The print version of this hymn in a small town the town maintains a dedicated!, where Bennard was a native of Youngstown, Ohio, but was reared in Iowa driving. Then a five-voice choir sang with organ and violin accompaniment over 300 other hymns turned to Scripture reflect! Publisher Cascade Books Christian hymns in the Need of Prayer ' ) History into my site and... 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