Introduction
While country music legend Alan Jackson’s rendition of “The Old Rugged Cross” resonates with heartfelt emotion, the song’s history stretches back over a century.
Composed in 1912 by American evangelist George Bennard, the hymn arose from a revival meeting in Albion, Michigan. Bennard, facing ridicule for his faith, penned the first verse as a powerful response. The song’s title evokes a simple yet profound image – the very instrument of Jesus’ crucifixion transformed into a symbol of faith and redemption.
Bennard, a Methodist minister, completed the song during a series of evangelistic meetings in Wisconsin shortly after his initial inspiration. The completed version was then introduced to the public in 1913 at a church in Pokagon, Michigan.
“The Old Rugged Cross” gained significant popularity through the influential evangelistic campaigns of Billy Sunday. Homer Rodeheaver, a key figure in Sunday’s ministry, recognized the song’s potential and acquired the rights to it. This association with Billy Sunday’s highly visible crusades significantly boosted the hymn’s reach.
Though rooted in the rich tradition of American gospel music, “The Old Rugged Cross” transcends genre. Its simple, heartfelt lyrics and poignant melody have resonated with Christians of all denominations for generations.
Alan Jackson’s rendition stays true to the song’s core message. His distinctive vocals deliver the verses with a reverence that reflects the hymn’s enduring significance. As Jackson sings of clinging to the cross, a symbol of sacrifice and love, listeners are invited to contemplate the profound meaning this powerful image holds within their own faith.