Medak Cathedral Celebrates 100 Years of Faith, Service, and Legacy: A Thanksgiving Service with the Posnett Family

Medak Cathedral Celebrates 100 Years of Faith, Service, and Legacy: A Thanksgiving Service with the Posnett Family

On December 23, 2024, Medak Cathedral reached a monumental milestone—its 100th anniversary. For a century, this architectural marvel has stood as a beacon of faith, hope, and service to the community of Medak and beyond. The celebration was marked by a heartfelt Thanksgiving service that brought together the church, the community, and the Posnett family, honoring the enduring legacy of Rev. Charles Walker Posnett, the visionary behind the Cathedral.

A Century of Faith and Service

Medak Cathedral, the second-largest church in Asia, was a dream realized by Rev. Charles Walker Posnett. His unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel, providing education, and offering healthcare to the people of Medak has left an indelible mark on the region. The Cathedral, which opened its doors in 1924 after a decade of construction, stands not only as a testament to faith but as a symbol of community resilience and transformation. The vision of Rev. Posnett extended beyond the sacred walls of the Cathedral—he worked tirelessly to uplift the people of Medak, introducing social reforms, agricultural schools, and healthcare initiatives. His contributions continue to shape the community today.

For more information about Medak Cathedral, visit medakchurch.com website

The Posnett Family at the Centennial Celebration

The Thanksgiving service was made all the more special by the presence of the Posnett family, who traveled from far and wide to commemorate the centennial of the Cathedral. Their heartfelt tributes to Rev. Posnett’s legacy touched the hearts of all who gathered.

Dickon Posnett’s Tribute:

Dickon Posnett, grandson of Charles Posnett, addressed the congregation with warmth and gratitude. “Thank you, Bishop Ruben Mark, for your kind welcome,” Dickon began, acknowledging the significance of the moment. “You said you were a big fan of Charles Walker Posnett, and I think Charles would have been a big fan of yours.” He also expressed his thanks to Reverend Winston, the First Chairman, and Reverend Shantaiah for their help in making the event possible.

Dickon took a moment to highlight the importance of family, stating, “Family is important; family supports each other. You can see here today that the Posnett family is supporting each other.” He spoke of the pivotal role that his ancestors played in the Cathedral’s creation. “Charles had great support from his family—his sister Emily, her friend Sarah Harris, his wife Phyllis, and his brother Robert,”.Dickon shared. He recalled the moment 100 years ago when Robert Posnett stood outside the Cathedral and unlocked its doors for the first time, with Charles by his side.

“We are here today as descendants of both Charles and Robert Posnett,” he continued, introducing the generations present: “Jonathan and I are the grandchildren of Charles Posnett, and Timothy is his great-grandson. We also have David, the grandson of Robert Posnett, along with his children and great-grandchildren, who are with us today.”

Dickon ended his speech by thanking the Church of South India and the community of Medak for making the Posnett family feel like part of their family. “We appreciate everything you've done for us, and we look forward to being with you for the rest of the day,” he concluded.

Jonathan Posnett’s Reflection:

Jonathan Posnett, also a grandson of Charles Posnett, shared his deep connection to the legacy of his grandfather. “It’s a real blessing to be here,” he began, reflecting on the significance of being part of a multi-generational celebration. “Today, we sit here as grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren, and maybe even great-great-grandchildren. This reminds me of the legacy of Charles Posnett, who, through the generations, was able to express the importance of what he believed and shared.”

Jonathan expressed his joy in knowing that the connections formed by his grandfather still live on in Medak today. “As our generations keep growing, we will continue to come back and carry forward the legacy into the future,” he said.

Tim Posnett’s Tribute:

Tim Posnett, the great-grandson of Charles Posnett, spoke movingly about his first visit to India and Medak. “We see that the spirit of Charles Walker Posnett is very present here in this wonderful community,” he said, noting the Christian values of helping others and sharing joy that his grandfather embodied. “We’re here to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this magnificent cathedral. My wife Zoe and I are overwhelmed by how beautiful this building is, and how special it is to see it full of beautiful people.”

Tim emphasized that while the Cathedral is a grand space for worship, “the real church is the people. Just as the cathedral is built from single bricks and stones, so is this Christian community built from individual people, joined together by love, cemented by God and faith.”

Zoe Suki Posnett’s Gratitude:

Tim’s wife, Zoe Suki Posnett, spoke on behalf of the entire Posnett family, offering heartfelt thanks to the community of Medak. “On behalf of all of us here, the Posnett family, we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your warm welcome. We wish all of you and your families the very best Christmas. Merry Christmas, and thank you.”

David Posnett’s Remembrance:

David Posnett, grandson of Robert Posnett, also took a moment to reflect on his family’s legacy. “I would like to remind you that the floor I’m standing on, the Italian marble, was given in memory of Robert Posnett’s wife, who sadly passed away just before the Cathedral opened. It is her memorial that you see on the pillar here,” he shared.

David also acknowledged the vision, compassion, and humility of those who made the Cathedral possible, including Charles, Phyllis, Emily, and Sarah Harris. “We remember them with great respect,” he said, recounting a special photograph from the opening ceremony in 1924 that captured his father as a young boy receiving gifts during the service.

The Gift of Legacy

The service culminated in a touching tribute from the Medak Diocese. The Incharge Bishop, Rt. Rev. Ruben Mark along the Vice Chairman Rev.B.Winston ayyagaru presented the Posnett family with a beautifully crafted replica of Medak Cathedral, symbolizing the enduring bond between the family and the church. This thoughtful gift was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of Rev. Posnett’s work and the love that has continued to grow in the community.

In a memorable moment, the replica of the Cathedral was ceremoniously unveiled by David Posnett, who opened the box to reveal the commemorative gift. This act of unveiling marked the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between the Medak Cathedral and the Posnett family—a relationship that spans generations and remains deeply rooted in shared values and mutual respect.

The gesture was further accompanied by a warm and respectful tribute from the Medak pastors, who garlanded the Posnett family as a sign of honor and appreciation for their family’s lasting contributions to the church and the community. This touching moment underscored the deep sense of gratitude the community feels toward the Posnett family for their dedication to Medak and the legacy of Rev. Charles Walker Posnett.

A Living Testament to Faith and Service

The 100th anniversary of Medak Cathedral was not just a celebration of a building—it was a celebration of the spirit of service, faith, and community that Rev. Posnett embodied. Through his vision, he not only built a church but also laid the foundation for a thriving community. His legacy lives on in the people of Medak, who continue to uphold the values of education, healthcare, and compassion that he introduced over a century ago.

As we reflect on the centennial celebrations, we are reminded that Medak Cathedral is more than just a structure. It is a living, breathing testament to the power of faith, family, and service—a beacon of hope that continues to shine brightly for generations to come.