The Old Rugged Cross Foundation, Inc. (ORCF)
The ORCF is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit corporation, making your donations tax deductible. It is currently comprised of an executive board of five volunteers and an advisory board of twelve volunteers. These volunteers work tirelessly to raise the necessary funds to maintain the buildings and grounds and pay the utilities, insurance, accountant fees, etc.
We invite you to roam these pages and discover the history of the hymn, the building where it made its public debut, and the community surrounding this rich history. Enjoy the pictures, events, and stories. Perhaps you’ll find ways you might be able to help maintain this precious Christian treasure that was almost lost, but is now fully restored to its 1875 – 1914 church era appearance. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Christ Himself has been at the center of this project from the very beginning. He called together a multi-denominational group of volunteers, who made up the board of directors of The Old Rugged Cross Foundation, Inc. (ORCF). This group, along with numerous other volunteers, raised the funds required to complete the restoration of The Original Old Rugged Cross Church in Pokagon, Michigan, where the final version of Rev. George Bennard’s hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” was first sung publicly in 1913, during a revival. The project began in 1998 and took twenty-one years to complete.
Although the restoration of the church (including a museum and an additional building containing restrooms) was completed in September, 2019, funds are still needed to pay the bills, maintain the buildings and grounds, and to build an endowment fund so future generations will be able to enjoy this piece of our Christian heritage. Many volunteers have helped over the past twenty-six years to accomplish a feat that most felt was an impossible task. However, “with God, all things are possible”. Matthew 19:26.
Additionally, the ORCF is now restoring a nearby building, which we call the Old Rugged Cross Annex. Once restored, it will be available to rent for reunions, receptions, and other gatherings. Its rental fees will help with the upkeep of all ORCF properties. It is currently being used to host rummage, yard, and estate sales. The property is used for overflow parking for events held at the church.
Volunteers are our life-blood, working throughout the year to support the ministry of the church; maintenance of the church and church grounds; maintaining this website; and working on fund-raisers to keep the church and museum viable. Volunteers are deeply involved in the journey of the work before us, and we invite you join us in our efforts.
If you have an “Old Rugged Cross” story you would like to share, please submit it to us via email and let us know if we have your permission to share it.
What’s New:
Check out this history of the hymn, the church where it was first introduced, and the Village of Pokagon, Michigan.
Still Available: “The Old Rugged Cross” Lives On by Molly Tate Shaffer is a 488-page pictorial and verbal history of the hymn and its author, and gives a step by step account of the restoration of the building where it made its public debut. All proceeds go to The Old Rugged Cross Foundation, Inc.
Book: $80.00
S & H: $15.00 IF it needs to be mailed
Make checks payable to:
The Old Rugged Cross Foundation (ORCF)
PO Box 41
Niles, MI 49120
Books are available at the Old Rugged Cross Church and at scheduled book signings.
To arrange to purchase a book at the church, call 269-362-4347 for an appointment.
Contact us at:
THE OLD RUGGED CROSS FOUNDATION, INC.
P.O. Box 41, Niles, MI 49120 (Mailing Address)
269-362-4347 (Cell Phone)
www.the-oldruggedcross.org
Email: orcf@aol.com; theoldruggedcrosschurch@gmail.com
Visit us (by appointment) at:
THE OLD RUGGED CROSS CHURCH & MUSEUM 61041 Vermont St., Pokagon, MI 49047 (Physical Address)