Hymn story of the month

This song was written & composed by George Bennard. He was a faithful servant of God, serving with the Salvation Army for a number of years and then becoming a Methodist preacher. The inspiration of this hymn came to him in 1913. He composed the melody first while the words finally came a few weeks later.

When asked about the composition of this hymn he said, “I was praying for a full understanding of the cross and its plan in Christianity. I read and studied & prayed. I saw Christ and the cross inseparably. The Christ of the cross became more than a symbol. It was like seeing John 3:16 leave the printed page, take form and act out the meaning of redemption.”

And that’s what you find in this song. For it was on that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, that the dear Lamb of God suffered… and died… to pardon and sanctify me.

Mr. Bennard sang his new song to some musician friends, and they loved it so much that they eagerly said they would pay for its being put into print. The first time it was sung in public was at the Chicago Evangelistic Institute. It became popular at once, and its popularity continues today.

In 1958, after 85 useful years, George Bennard at last laid down his trophies and exchanged them for a crown.