Rev. George Bennard, author of the world's best-loved hymn.
I n a broadcasting studio in Los Angeles recently a white-haired man drifted into a sweet moment of reminiscence that caused tears to spill down his face. The man: Rev. George Bennard. The memories were of the year 1913 and a gospel hymn that after 42 years has become the world’s best-loved religious song. It was that year— 1913—that Rev. Ben nard wrote “The Old Rugged Cross.” For the venerable song writer (he stoutly maintains his age is a mili tary secret) the years have been busy. He has written some 300 songs ( “ Speak, My Lord,” “ Jesus Is Dearer Than A ll” ) but none has reached the popularity of the one that starts On
There’s even a motion picture telling the story behind this famous song. The film is being produced by Ken Anderson and will be released soon. The Bennards spend their winters in California but each summer finds them back in their home near Reed City, Iowa. Reed City is justly proud of the Bennards and passing motorists are made aware of this pride. Huge bill boards announce that Reed City is the home of the author of “ The Old Rugged Cross” and this fall the city dedicated a large cross in honor of the hymn. The cross—on a hill— is just above the Bennards’ home on U.S. Highway 131, 5j/^ miles north of Reed City. END.
a hill far away stood an old rugged cross. Survey after survey still places Rev. Bennard’s masterpiece at the top. Rev. Bennard was born in Youngs town, Ohio and grew up in the small mining town of Lucas, Iowa where his father ran a saloon. His ministry started 51 years ago with the Salva tion Army in Illinois and today that ministry continues. He still writes songs, still makes public appearances. Last year he and Mrs. Bennard (his second wife; his first one is not liv ing) were honored in the famed Pas adena Tournament of Roses parade where they rode on a float commemo rating “ The Old Rugged Cross.”
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