The old rugged cross is a Christian hymn composed between 1912- 1913 by Rev. George Bennard, an American Methodist evangelist. Bernard was born on February 4th, 1873 in Youngstown’s coal-mining and iron-production town in Ohio state. Although the young Bennard aspired to become a Christian evangelist, he was compelled to support his mother and sisters after his father died suddenly.
After getting married, Bennard became active in the Salvation Army. He was ordained as a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. As a well-regarded author of Christian hymns, his most famous work is “The Old Rugged Cross”. Bennard retired to Reed City, Michigan, and the town maintains a museum dedicated to his life and ministry. He died on October 10th, 1958 in Reed City, Michigan, where the local Chamber of Commerce erected a cross near his home.
🎧 About this arrangement for Guitar
The arrangement in the following video was composed by Fernando Neves in fingerstyle for solo acoustic guitar. The song is in the key of E major, Time Signature 6/8, and 45 bpm.
The original composition is a country music style, but this arrangement is more solemn to be used as a reflection or background music. The video shows the score for guitar with fingering and chords and also the tablature for guitar.
You can buy the sheet music on SheetMusicPlus Home Page
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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 a world of lost sinners was slain
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross (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
To the old rugged cross, I will ever be true
It’s shame and reproach gladly bear
Then he’ll call me someday to my home far away
Where his glory forever I’ll share
And I’ll cherish the old rugged cross (rugged cross)
Till my trophies at last I lay down
And I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it someday for a crown
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it someday for a crown
