Old Rugged Cross

The Old Rugged Cross

The Old Rugged Cross  painting 

is a watercolor and ink  art work created by Meldra Driscoll.

http://fineartamerica.com/products/the-old-rugged-cross-meldra-driscoll-acrylic-print.html

              The hymn The Old Rugged Cross was written by  George Bennard.

He  became Reverend George Bennard at the age of 24 as he  attended Salvation Army meetings until 1898 and then began conducting his own revival meetings and  composing hymns.  

              Rev. Bennard wrote the words to The Old Rugged Cross over a month as he travel to revivals, as he explains "I seemed to have a vision...I saw the Christ and the cross inseparable."   The hymn was sung first at a revival meeting in Pokegon, Michigan, when it was published in 1913 it was an immediate success.  Over 15 million copies of the hymn had been sold along with several recordings by 1939. This was my Grandmother's favorite hymn and when I hear it still today I  think of her. 

http://data.desmoinesregister.com/famous-iowans/george-bennard

                 A new recording of  The Old Rugged Cross was done by Craig Wayne Boyd in  2014.  As a struggling country artist in Nashville he was about to give up on his dream when he received an email to try out  for The Voice.  He chose to perform The Old Rugged Cross for the competition. Though many considered it risky to preform a gospel song in prime time on network television he won.

http://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2014/12/19/voice-winner-craig-wayne-boyd-homeless-nearly-quit/20665899/  

The Voice 2014 Semifinals- Craig Wayne Boyd: "The Old Rugged Cross"

It is wonderful  The Old Rugged Cross continues to be a popular hymn still today!