The Old Rugged Cross

The story of this hymn

George Bennard, a Salvation Army officer who became a travelling Methodist evangelist, wrote both the words and the tune, completing the hymn in Michigan in 1913 between revival meetings; it was first sung in full at a small church in Pokagon that June. Billy Sunday's song leader Homer Rodeheaver made it famous across America, and within a generation it had become one of the most requested songs at English-speaking funerals — loved especially by those who grew up on gospel hymns.

Where it sits in the service

A favourite for the closing hymn, and just as often played or sung at the graveside; for many older families it is simply expected. The verses are far less familiar than the refrain, so print every word rather than trusting memory — and if the congregation is small, it sits comfortably as a solo or a recording while mourners file out.

In the programme, list it in the order of service as “Hymn — The Old Rugged Cross” with the leader or choir named beside it.

How it is actually sung

Enormously well known across denominations and generations, and one of the most-requested hymns at funerals anywhere. The refrain is the part everyone sings. It suits a traditional service and an older congregation particularly, and it works well sung by a soloist with the room joining the refrain.

Printing the words

Still in copyright in many territories, so this page carries a guide rather than the text. Ask the church office about their CCLI licence before printing the words; if it is not covered, print the title and first line and let the congregation sing from memory, which with this hymn they largely can.

This is practical guidance rather than legal advice. Reproduction rights vary by territory, by hymnal edition and by the licence your church holds — the church office is the right place to ask, and they answer this question often.