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Play “The Old Rugged Cross”

Free accompaniment for The Old Rugged Cross (George Bennard): organ, piano or guitar playing the tune THE OLD RUGGED CROSS (George Bennard) in four-part harmony, 4 verses, with the words on screen. Choose the key and speed, add an introduction, project the words on a TV, or practice your own choir part. Made for churches and home groups without a musician.

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  1. 1On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
  2. The emblem of suff'ring and shame;
  3. And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
  4. For a world of lost sinners was slain.
  5. So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
  6. Till my trophies at last I lay down;
  7. I will cling to the old rugged cross,
  8. And exchange it some day for a crown.
  9. 2Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
  10. Has a wondrous attraction for me,
  11. For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
  12. To bear it to dark Calvary.
  13. So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
  14. Till my trophies at last I lay down;
  15. I will cling to the old rugged cross,
  16. And exchange it some day for a crown.
  17. 3In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
  18. A wondrous beauty I see;
  19. For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
  20. To pardon and sanctify me.
  21. So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
  22. Till my trophies at last I lay down;
  23. I will cling to the old rugged cross,
  24. And exchange it some day for a crown.
  25. 4To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
  26. Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
  27. Then He'll call me some day to my home far away,
  28. Where His glory forever I'll share.
  29. So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
  30. Till my trophies at last I lay down;
  31. I will cling to the old rugged cross,
  32. And exchange it some day for a crown.

About this music

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS — George Bennard. Words: George Bennard, 1913. Music and Setting: 'The Old Rugged Cross' George Bennard, 1913.. The score is from the Open Hymnal Project, copied from 'Gospel Melodies', 1918. Hymn 194.; music and setting are in the public domain. The words above are from the hymnal cited on the The Old Rugged Cross page.

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