The Old Rugged Cross Michigan

The old rugged cross historical museum is an outgrowth of a memorial cross erected and dedicated on september 14 1954 north of reed city at the home of rev.

The old rugged cross michigan.

But a museum dedicated to the composer of the hymn the rev. The museum presently contains mementos and relics not only from the bennard home but also from the. He sang the final version for the first time at a revival meeting in the pokagon methodist episcopal church. George bennard in reed city may.

The old rugged cross lives on by molly tate shaffer is a 488 page pictorial and verbal history of the hymn and its author and gives a step by step account of the restoration of the building where it made its public debut. As a methodist evangelist george bennard wrote the first verse of the old rugged cross in albion michigan in the fall of 1912 as a response to ridicule that he had received at a revival meeting bennard traveled with ed e. Rev bennard was the author of world renowned hymn the old rugged cross written in 1913. George bennard in 1912.

This song has touched millions. The hymn the old rugged cross has stood the test of time being performed and recorded by numerous gospel and county music artists over the years since it was composed in 1913. It s been covered by alan jackson carrie underwood and even elvis. This is the location where the song the old rugged cross was first sung in its entirety.

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. Interesting piece of local and national history. Bennard retired to reed city michigan and the town maintains a museum dedicated to his life and ministry. The hymn the old rugged cross has stood the test of time being performed and recorded by numerous gospel and county music artists over the years since it was composed in 1913.

In 1913 the rev george bennard completed his hymn the old rugged cross while staying in pokagon mi. The old rugged cross was written by rev. The old rugged cross historical museum is an outgrowth of a memorial cross erected and dedicated on september 14 1954 north of reed city michigan near the home of reverend and mrs. Niles michigan 667 contributions 142 helpful votes.

The church has been renovated beautifully and a garden established near it for a contemplative walk.