Rugged Cross

Title: The Old Rugged Cross
Composer: George Bennard
Arranger: Mark Hayes

This hymn uses a sentimental popular song form with a verse/chorus pattern in 6,8 time. The excerpt from the composer says, "Although this hymn is a sentimental favorite of many, the subject of the cross is far from pleasant. As I read through this hymn text, I opted to set the first two verses in a minor key to underscore the agony of the cross. This arrangement starts in the style of the great romantics, like Rachmaninoff, and needs to be played with great passion as well as nuance throughout. I wrote in an orchestral fashion, using the full range of the piano. When the key center shifts to C major at measure 82, it comes as a welcome relief, partly because of the heaviness of the minor sound that precedes it."
This hymn is one of the favorites of my friend, Wavalee. She and her husband helped found North Scottsdale United Methodist Church, where they have the great digital organ that my assistant, Duane, has worked many, many hours updating. I hope you enjoy it.

Lyrics:
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 some day for a crown.

Oh, 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.

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.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.