“On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross; the emblem of suffering and shame.”

This famous hymn was composed by George Bennard. Bennard was born in Youngstown, Ohio, shortly after the end of the Civil War. His father, a coal miner, moved to the family to Iowa. It was there that George discovered his faith through the ministry of the Salvation Army. His plans to enter the ministry took a detour when his father died and he became responsible for his mother and sisters at age 16.

Eventually he married and began ministering with the Salvation Army in Chicago. Later, he was ordained by the Methodist Episcopal Church and became a traveling evangelist.

During a particularly difficult time in his ministry, Bennard wrote, “While I was reading and praying, the Christ of the Cross became more than a symbol. It was like seeing John 3:16 leap off the page. While watching this scene with my mind’s eye, the song came to me.”

It took several months for all the words to formulate. As he preached throughout the Midwest he worked on the hymn and sometimes sang it at his meetings. Audiences were touched by it. When finished, George went to the home of his friends, the Rev. and Mrs. L.O. Boswick and sang it for them. After the last note, he asked, “Will it do?” They were so moved that they paid for the fees to have it published. Now, more than a hundred years later, I’d say, “It will do.”

Blessings for a meaningful Holy Week and joyous Easter,

Pastor Brad

The information for this article came from the book, “Then Sings My Soul, Special Edition” by: Robert J. Morgan.