The Old Ruggard Cross

Connie's Corner—His Banner    March 2016

The Old Rugged Cross

By Connie Hawkins

Christians placed a lot of emphasis on the cross during Easter weekend and so they should--for the cross is the center and core of evangelical Christian faith. As I sat and pondered what the cross means to me I thought about "The Old Rugged Cross", wondering how that old hymn of faith came to be.

George Bennard who was a minister penned the song, both words and music, in 1912. "I was praying for a full understanding of the cross, and its plan in Christianity," said Rev. Bennard. "I saw Christ and the Cross inseparably."

As Bennard began to read study and pray, the Christ of the Cross became more than just a symbol to him.  A picture came into his mind.  The scene revealed the consummation of spiritual experience.  "It was," he said, "like seeing John 3:16 leave the printed page, take, form, and act out the meaning of redemption."  It was while watching this scene in his mind that the theme for the song, "The Old Rugged Cross," came in the form of a poem.

Involved in evangelistic meetings in Michigan and New York, Bennard could not finish his poem.  It wasn't until sometime later, after revival, that the food-gates were loosened so-to-speak, and Bennard was able to finish his piece.  A friend aided in sending in the finished manuscript to Charles Gabriel, who returned it with a prophetic statement: 'you will hear from this song'.  When Bennard sang it for friends they felt as Mr. Gabriel had felt and said, 'God has given you a song that will never die.  It has moved us as no other song has moved us.'"

The unprecedented acceptance of "The Old Rugged Cross" justifies these statements.  Around the world it has become the most used gospel song, shooting God's truth home to the hearts of all men.  It is the epitome of the gospel in song, what John 3:16 is in gospel doctrine--the heart of it.

As Easter comes and goes, I hope you'll keep your eye fixed firmly upon the cross and what it symbolizes --life in Christ.  The flowing stream of salvation is the distilled essence of divine grace and love, symbolized by the Cross. (Forty Gospel Hymn Stories) This article first appeared in the Crossroads April 99)