African American Heritage Hymnal ‎#244

244. The Old Rugged Cross

1 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.

Refrain:
So I'll cherish the cross, the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the cross, the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

2 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]

3 In the 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]

4 To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,
It's 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]

Text Information

• First Line: On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross
• Title: The Old Rugged Cross
• Author: George Bennard, 1873-1960
• Refrain First Line: So I'll cherish the cross, the old rugged cross
• Meter: 12 8 12 8 with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2001
• Scripture:
  Philippians 3:14
• Topic: Jesus Christ: His Atonement, Crucifixion and Death; Jesus Christ: His Blood; Jesus Christ: His Cross; Jesus Christ: His Glory and Power; Jesus Christ: Shepherd and Lamb

Tune Information

• Name: OLD RUGGED CROSS
• Composer: George Bennard, 1873-1960
• Meter: 12 8 12 8 with refrain
• Key: B♭ Major