‘The Old, Rugged Cross’: America’s Most Cherished Gospel Song

‘The Old, Rugged Cross’: America’s Most Cherished Gospel Song
A sermon at St Lawrence's church, Isle of Wight, between 1833–1849, by Richard Henry Clements Ubsdell. Public Domain
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In 1912, preacher George Bennard hosted several sermons in his state of Michigan after spending years traveling the Midwest with his wife preaching God’s word and becoming one of the region’s beloved pastors. He spoke eloquently of his Christian faith, and his sermons left people feeling spiritually rejuvenated. Because of his passion and ability to intimately connect with his fellow believers, he often preached to a packed house.

Bennard came from humble beginnings and his road to Christianity had its fair share of ups and downs. When his father passed while George was still a teen, he took on the noble role of caring for his family. He spent time as a coal miner, just as his father did. But after becoming involved with the efforts of the Salvation Army, his faith strengthened and he ultimately became a Methodist preacher.

Rebecca Day
Rebecca Day
Author
Rebecca Day is a freelance writer and independent musician. For more information on her music and writing, visit her Substack, Classically Cultured, at classicallycultured.substack.com
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