Religious Composer. He is best remembered for the ever popular religious tune "The Old Rugged Cross" (1913) that was later popularized by the noted evangelist Billy Sunday on his nationally broadcast radio show. The son of a coal miner and tavern owner, he moved with his family to Iowa when he was a young boy. When he was 16 years old, his father died in a mining accident and he had drop out of school to support his family. As an adult, he became involved the Salvation Army, preaching throughout the US and Canada, and later became an ordained Methodist Episcopal Church minister. His other noted hymns include "Have Thy Way, Lord" (1910), "Speak, My Lord" (1911), "God Answers Prayer" (1917), and "Lord, Give Us Souls" (1918). When he was not preaching on the road, he resided in Albion, Michigan where he ran his publishing firm, the Bennard Music Company along with a gospel tract ministry. He later retired to Reed City, Michigan where he died at the age of 85.
Religious Composer. He is best remembered for the ever popular religious tune "The Old Rugged Cross" (1913) that was later popularized by the noted evangelist Billy Sunday on his nationally broadcast radio show. The son of a coal miner and tavern owner, he moved with his family to Iowa when he was a young boy. When he was 16 years old, his father died in a mining accident and he had drop out of school to support his family. As an adult, he became involved the Salvation Army, preaching throughout the US and Canada, and later became an ordained Methodist Episcopal Church minister. His other noted hymns include "Have Thy Way, Lord" (1910), "Speak, My Lord" (1911), "God Answers Prayer" (1917), and "Lord, Give Us Souls" (1918). When he was not preaching on the road, he resided in Albion, Michigan where he ran his publishing firm, the Bennard Music Company along with a gospel tract ministry. He later retired to Reed City, Michigan where he died at the age of 85.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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