THE OLD RUGGED CROSS

"The Old Rugged Cross" is one of those deeply rooted hymns that immediately shifts the atmosphere of a church. When the choir begins the opening lines about that hill far away, it draws the congregation into a space of quiet reflection. The song does not shy away from the harsh reality of the crucifixion—calling the cross an emblem of suffering and shame—but it transforms that image into a symbol of profound love and ultimate victory.

We most often pull this piece from our folders during Lent and Holy Week, especially on Good Friday when the focus of the liturgy rests entirely on Christ's sacrifice. It is also a profound comfort at funerals, offering a steady reminder that the burdens and "trophies" of this life will eventually be laid down and exchanged for a crown. Singing it in four-part harmony gives the refrain a sweeping, resolute feeling, as the voices pledge to cherish and cling to the cross.