“The Old Rugged Cross” signed by George Bennard

This one page removed from an unknown hymnal contains the hymns, “Throw Out the Life-Line” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” “The Old Rugged Cross” is signed by the hymn’s author, George Bennard (1873–1958). Bennard was a Methodist Episcopal preacher and hymn composer who was active in the Salvation Army. He completed the first verse of this hymn during a series of meetings, finishing it months later in 1912. The lyrics refer to the crucifixion of Jesus and draw on language found in Luke 9:23–24, Galatians 6:14, and Hebrews 13:12–13.

Published after 1913 in an unknown hymnal. Acquired by 2010 by Gene Albert (Christian Heritage Museum), Hagerstown, Maryland; Privately purchased in 2010 by Green Collection, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Donated in 2017 to National Christian Foundation (later The Signatry), under the curatorial care of Museum of the Bible, Washington, DC.