I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown. George Bennard lived his retirement years in Reed City, Michigan, and passed away there in 1958.

The composer of the hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross” — the Rev. George Bennard — was born in Youngstown in 1873. He moved away as a young boy going to Iowa, according to cemetery board member ...

The cross was placed here to remember and honor the author of the “Old Rugged Cross” song, the Rev. George Bennard, Methodist minister from Michigan. The Rev. Bennard was born 1873 in ...

POKAGON - As the driving force with her husband, Bob, behind the Old Rugged Cross Church restoration project, ... relying upon the penciled notes of composer the Rev. George Bennard, ...

‘The Old Rugged Cross’ was written by Rev. George Bennard in 1912. This song has touched millions. It’s been covered by Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood and even Elvis.

His favorite hymn was always “The Old Rugged Cross”. He was a regular church attendee, but when it was time to sing this song, you could count on him singing it with gusto. ... The idea for a song ...