The Old Rugged Cross

Mich., April 23, 2009 – The Old Rugged Cross Foundation’s (ORCF) popular "Community Hymn Sings", previously conducted at Michiana churches, are coming home to The Original Old Rugged Cross Church.

"Although the church restoration is far from complete, we have progressed enough to open the doors for Hymn Sings in the historic building where the hymn was sung publicly in its entirety for the first time," said Molly Shaffer, ORCF treasurer.

"Dwayne and Saran Brock of Niles (Mich.) donated their beautiful antique upright piano to the historic church, and Sharon McKnight, of Niles, has volunteered as pianist for the Hymn Sings," Shaffer said. "Their generosity and the new sanctuary sub-floor allow us to conduct these events in the old church."

Each Hymn Sing is an opportunity to gather with others to sing some of the favorite "old" hymns that many people grew up with in the 1900s, she added. "It’s also an opportunity for the public to see the progress on restoring the church – many area residents have helped financially support the restoration.

"Our Hymn Sings meet a need for many Christians, who have confided that they miss singing the traditional hymns in their churches and are concerned that the older hymns are being lost.

"Even if you don’t find your favorite hymn on the list planned for the evening, we’ll ask audience members to suggest their favorites," Shaffer added. "Come prepared to sing, and make a joyful noise unto the Lord! This is a ‘fun’ event for the whole family. There is no charge to attend."

Hymn Sings will be at 6:00 p.m. on the following Sundays (first Sunday of the month):
May 3
June 7
July 5
August 2
September 6
October 4

The Original Old Rugged Cross Church does not yet have a heating/air conditioning system. Shaffer urges attendees to dress comfortably for the weather, and if possible, bring your own chair. A free will offering at each Hymn Sing will support church restoration.

Old Rugged Cross gift items, including the 2009 wall calendar, will be available at the Hymn Sings.

The Old Rugged Cross Historic Site is in Pokagon, one block south of Pokagon Highway, just east of Highway M-51 (half way between Niles and Dowagiac). The site includes the half-acre Old Rugged Cross Memorial Garden.

The Original Old Rugged Cross Church is a Registered Michigan Historic Site. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places at the national level of historic significance. It is where (then the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Pokagon) the hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross," was performed publicly in its entirety for the first time, in 1913.

For more information, contact the ORCF at 269-683-4540, or PO Box 41, Niles, MI 49120. E-mail: orcf@aol.com. Web site: www.the-oldruggedcross.org.