FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information

269-683-4540 or 269-782-8133

 NILES, Mich., Oct. 11, 2005 – The Old Rugged Cross Historic Site’s colorful 2006 wall calendar is available just in time for holiday gift planning and giving.

      The calendar is the Site’s third annual photographic depiction of the one-acre Historic Site. The front and back covers and each month’s page all include a full-color photograph.

      The calendar also includes information about the history of the hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross,” in the village of Pokagon. Pokagon is half way between Niles and Dowagiac.

      Calendars will be available for a donation of $20 each, at the Site’s upcoming Fall Festival and Craft Sale. The October 15 event will include other Old Rugged Cross gift items, lots of crafts, home-style baked goodies, fresh fall produce, Sloppy Joes, chili, and other food. The Old Rugged Cross’ scissor and ice fishing auger sharpening expert also will be on hand.

      You also can arrange to purchase calendars by calling the following numbers: 683-4540 (Niles) or 782-8133 (Dowagiac). The Area Code is 269. The shipping cost for mailing a calendar is $2.00.

      The Old Rugged Cross Historic Site includes the church where the hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross” was sung publicly in its entirety for the first time in 1913. The church is a Registered Michigan Historic Site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The facility is being restored as closely as possible to its 1913 appearance. The restored facility will serve as a museum and community center for special, scheduled events such as weddings, funerals and community meetings.

      The Site also includes the half-acre Old Rugged Cross Memorial Garden. The Garden is available for picnics, weddings and other special, scheduled events. It also is available for unscheduled meditation. 

      The Old Rugged Cross Historic Site is located one block south of Pokagon Highway in Pokagon, Mich., just east of Highway M-51.