📜 The Story Behind the Hymn (A Journey of the Cross)
The hymn The Old Rugged Cross was written in 1912 by George Bennard, during one of the most painful seasons of his life.
Bennard was a traveling evangelist who had witnessed great joy in ministry—but also deep heartbreak. He faced intense criticism, personal loss, and discouragement that left him wrestling with doubt and sorrow. During this season, his thoughts repeatedly returned to the cross of Jesus Christ.
As he reflected on the crucifixion, Bennard began to see the cross not merely as an instrument of suffering, but as the meeting place of pain and love, shame and glory, death and hope.
Late at night, often in quiet prayer, lines of the hymn slowly formed. He pictured Christ hanging on the cross—despised, rejected, yet choosing obedience out of love for humanity. The image stirred his heart so deeply that the hymn emerged not as a polished composition, but as a confession of faith born from suffering.
When the song was first sung publicly, it moved listeners to tears. People recognized their own pain in its message—and their hope in the cross it proclaimed. Over time, The Old Rugged Cross became a hymn sung at revivals, funerals, Easter services, and moments of deep reflection around the world.
This new version continues that legacy—helping a new generation pause, reflect, and respond to the meaning of the cross.