THE OLD RUGGED CROSS

When the choir brings out "The Old Rugged Cross," the mood in the church immediately shifts. It is a hymn that carries the heavy, quiet weight of the Lenten season, drawing our minds directly to Calvary. The words speak of an emblem of suffering and shame, yet they do so with a deep, personal affection. We sing it not just to recount the crucifixion, but to express our own devotion to the sacrifice made for us.

During Holy Week, especially on Good Friday when the congregation gathers for the Veneration of the Cross, this melody feels incredibly grounding. The harmony is straightforward and familiar, allowing the voices in the pews to easily join the choir. As we move into the chorus—"So I cherish the old rugged cross"—the music swells with a quiet resolve. It is a moment where the whole church affirms that the cross is not just a symbol of pain, but the very path to salvation.

Singing this piece requires a gentle touch from the choir. It shouldn't be rushed or overly dramatic; the power lies in the earnestness of the text. By the time we reach the final verse, looking forward to the day we exchange our crosses for a crown, the hymn leaves us with a profound sense of hope. It reminds us why we hold onto our faith through difficult times, looking toward the glory that follows the sacrifice.