SONG STUDY (28) THE OLD RUGGED CROSS George Bennard “The inspiration came to me one day in 1913, when I was staying in Albion, Michigan. I began to write “The Old Rugged Cross.” I composed the melody first. The words that I first wrote were imperfect. The words of the finished hymn were put into my heart in answer to my own need. Shortly thereafter it was introduced at special meetings in Pokagon, Michigan on June 7, 1913. The first occasion where it was heard outside of the church at Pokagon was at the Chicago Evangelistic Institute. There it was introduced before a large convention and soon it became extremely popular throughout the country.” 1 On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suffering and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain. Chorus So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And excha
SONG STUDY 27 IN CHRIST ALONE Stuart Townend and Keith Getty These two great songwriters have combined to write many modern Christian song. This song is one of their best. In Christ alone my hope is found He is my light my strength my song. This Cornerstone this solid Ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love what depths of peace When fears are stilled when strivings cease My comforter my All in All Here in the love of Christ I stand. In Christ alone who took on flesh Fullness of God in helpless babe. This gift of love and righteousness Scorned by the ones he came to save. Till on that cross as Jesus died The wrath of God was satisfied For every sin on Him was laid Here in the death of Christ I live. There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain. Then bursting forth in glorious Day Up from the grave He rose again. And as He stands in victory