The Celebration Hymnal ‎#327

327. 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 old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

2 O the 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 that 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;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear.
Then He’ll call me someday 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
• Refrain First Line: So I'll cherish the old rugged cross
• Meter: Irregular meter
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1997
• Topic: Christ: Atonement, Crucifixion, Suffering and Death

Tune Information

• Name: OLD RUGGED CROSS
• Composer: George Bennard
• Meter: Irregular meter
• Key: B♭ Major