Old Rugged Cross/Methodist Episcopal Church Historical Marker

09/13/2021

Pokagon, Michigan
On Sunday, September 19 at 3:00 p.m. we will be officially dedicating The Original Old Rugged Cross Church, the museum and all the furnishings to God’s service. It took twenty-one years and a little more than one million dollars to restore the condemned building to its 1900 church era appearance. Hundreds of volunteers worked to raise the necessary funds with donors from across the US and around the world contributing to the effort. The restoration was completed in September of 2019 but COVID-19 kept us from being able to hold the dedication sooner. It will be held in the sanctuary of The Old Rugged Cross Church.

Nine pastors from a variety of denominations who have been supportive of the restoration will be participating in the dedication. We invite the public to join us in this dedication, as many have followed our progress over the years and supported the efforts with their donations and prayers.

The church is located half way between Niles and Dowagiac, one quarter mile east of M-51 and just half a block south of Pokagon Highway at 61041 Vermont Street. A regularly scheduled hymn sing will follow the dedication at 6:00 pm.

08/06/2019

Thursday, Aug. 8 between 1 and 4 pm Molly Tate Shaffer will be selling and signing her book, "The Old Rugged Cross" Lives On. The book tells the complete story of the restoration of the church, as well as the history of the hymn and its composer.

It is 488 pages of pictures and stories about the "The Old Rugged Cross" and the church where it was first performed.

The cost is $80 plus $4.80 sales tax.

06/15/2019

A wonderful way to spend Father's Day!

03/12/2019

iGive is a free service where shopping at any of 1485 stores like Amazon, Travelocity, Overstock, and many more, means a donation to your favorite cause. Get $5 for each new supporter in July. Plus, we're also giving away another special $2,000 in July to the top three people who get the most friends to join and use the iGive Button. Your friends can support your cause, or their own favorite group. There will be one $1,000 winner, and two $500 winners. All you need to do is try the iGive Button through October 15, 2014. No purchase necessary! So, help us spread the word by sharing this post and by joining iGive!

06/30/2014

Help Old Rugged Cross Foundation every time you shop: http://www.iGive.com/OldRuggedCrossFoundation/?p=19992&jltest=1. We get $5 for each new supporter in July. Plus, iGive is also giving away a special $2,000 in July to the top three people who get the most friends to join and use the iGive Button. Friends can support our cause, or their own favorite group. There will be one $1,000 winner, and two $500 winners. All you need to do is try the iGive Button through October 15, 2014. No purchase necessary! So, help us spread the word by sharing this post and by joining iGive!

iGive is a free service where shopping at any of 1485 stores like Amazon, Travelocity, Overstock, and many more, means a donation to your favorite cause. Get $5 for each new supporter in July. Plus, we're also giving away another special $2,000 in July to the top three people who get the most friends to join and use the iGive Button. Your friends can support your cause, or their own favorite group. There will be one $1,000 winner, and two $500 winners. All you need to do is try the iGive Button through October 15, 2014. No purchase necessary! So, help us spread the word by sharing this post and by joining iGive!

06/02/2014

Help Old Rugged Cross Foundation every time you shop: http://www.iGive.com/OldRuggedCrossFoundation/?p=19992&jltest=1

iGive is a free service where shopping at any of 1474 stores like Amazon, Travelocity, Overstock, and many more, means a donation to your favorite cause.

09/07/2012

The church continues to change.

04/20/2012

This is the new red oak floor that contractor Dale Layman installed this winter. Just waiting for the new pews. Then the new carpet runner that is very close to the original pattern. Hopefully, all these things will be ready for the May 6 Hymn Sing.