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Historic site available for weddings (POKAGON, Mich.) -- Original Old Rugged Cross Church in Pokagon, Michigan, where the internationally-beloved hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross" was sung publicly in its entirety for the first time, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Rev. George Bennard wrote and completed the hymn in 1913. Pokagon is located in Cass County, southwest of Dowagiac along M-51. The National Register of Historic Places is a listing of nearly 75,000 historic sites and districts across the United States. It is the nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. It includes districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. The National Register is administered by the National Park Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior. More than 1,500 of the National Register locations are in Michigan.There are fewer than 10 such sites in Cass County, where the church, the former First Methodist Episcopal Church, is located. "This listing is a high honor, and recognizes the importance of this site in the broad patterns of our history," said Dr. Melchizedek Ponniah, chairman of the board of directors of the Old Rugged Cross Foundation (ORCF). The ORCF is a multi-denominational volunteer tax-exempt organization managing the restoration of The Original Old Rugged Cross Church to as close as possible to its 1913 appearance and materials. When restored, the church will be a museum, available for weddings and other special, scheduled services. "Since 1998 supporters in 32 states and four countries have given financial gifts to help with the restoration of this important location," Ponniah said. "This broad support reflects the enduring appreciation of this timeless hymn nearly 90 years after it was first performed in Pokagon. Rev. George Bennard's important legacy of more than 300 hymns is highlighted by this international favorite. Even today, 'The Old Rugged Cross' is included in many Christian denominations' hymnals, the Armed Forces Hymnal, and is included in recording artists' favorite hymn collections. "This structure is truly an international treasure that belongs to all who have been moved by this hymn's message of hope and faith," he said. "We are honored to be the stewards of this sacred place." Initial restoration efforts have saved the 1862 structure from imminent collapse. The deteriorated foundation has been replaced with temporary concrete piers, deteriorated sill beams have been replaced, the entire building has been straightened and leveled, and is now braced with temporary interior beams. A temporary steel roof on top of the deteriorated roof protects the sanctuary from rain and snow. Further restoration is on hold while the ORCF seeks additional funding. The entire restoration effort will require approximately $1.9 million. Rev. George Bennard, a Methodist evangelist, was in Pokagon in 1913 to assist his friend, the pastor at the Methodist Episcopal Church, with a series of revival meetings. He completed "The Old Rugged Cross," on which he had been working for some time, while in the village for those meetings. He performed it in the church, playing his guitar, then a choir, organist and violinist (all local residents) performed it from his penciled notes. The Original Old Rugged Cross Church is a Registered Michigan Historic Site. The Church is an Official Project of Save America's Treasures, a partnership between the White House Millennium Council and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, dedicated to the preservation of our nation's irreplaceable historic and cultural treasures. Additional information is available from the ORCF by writing to the Foundation at P.O. Box 41, Niles, MI 49120, or by visiting the Internet site, www.the-oldruggedcross.com. E-mail inquiries can be directed to orcf@aol.com. Information also is available by calling 616-683-4540. The Old Rugged Cross Foundation is a proud member of the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA). For regional travel information, contact WMTA toll free at 800-442-2084 or log on to www.wmta.org. Founded in 1917, WMTA is the oldest continually-operating tourist association in the nation. Representing 41 counties from the Michigan-Indiana state line north to Mackinac Island and covering the entire west half of the Lower Peninsula, WMTA is dedicated to proving that "Nobody Knows West Michigan Like We Do!" |
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