Merle Haggard And The Strangers - The Old Rugged Cross Lyrics

On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross
The emblem of suffering and shame
And I love that old Cross, where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
'Til my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

To the old rugged Cross I will ever be true
Its shame and reproach gladly bear
Then He'll call me someday to my home far away
Where His glory forever I'll share

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
'Til my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

In the old rugged Cross, stained with blood so divine
A wondrous beauty I see
For 'twas on that old Cross, Jesus suffered and died
To pardon and sanctify me

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
'Til my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

Thank you
I'd like to ask Mr. Frank Butler to give the closing prayer
But before I do that, I want to thank you men
And also Warden Nelson, associate Warden James Park
And Chaplain Ethelman
For allowing me to come and spend this hour of worship with you here
At San Quinton Garden Chapel
It's an hour I will never forget
And now, here's Reverend Frank Butler