Absent PianistThe Old Rugged Cross
Piano and organ accompaniment for congregational singing, 4 verses with refrain.
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About this hymn
Methodist evangelist George Bennard wrote this reflection on the cross while leading revival meetings in Michigan. It quickly became one of the most loved gospel songs of the 20th century.
- Words
- George Bennard, 1913
- Music
- George Bennard, 1913
- Tune
- OLD RUGGED CROSS
- Verses
- 4, with refrain
Make it fit your service
- How many verses to play, from 1 to 4
- A short introduction, a full-verse introduction, a starting chord or a pitch pipe, or the refrain as an introduction
- Whether the refrain follows every verse, the first and last verses, or only the last
- Piano, organ, choir voices, or any combination
- A slower or faster tempo, and a lower or higher key to suit your congregation
- An “Amen” at the end, a triumphant final verse, or a lift of a half step for the last verse
Connect your phone, tablet or laptop to the church sound system, tap Play, and your congregation sings The Old Rugged Cross just as it would with a live pianist. Add Absent Pianist to your home screen and it works without an internet connection.
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