POSNETT OF MEDAK - The Visionary Behind Medak Cathedral

Rev. Charles Walker Posnett: The Visionary Behind Medak Cathedral

Medak Cathedral stands as a remarkable testament to faith and perseverance, renowned as Asia’s second-largest church. Its creation was the vision of Rev. Charles Walker Posnett, a dedicated Wesleyan Methodist missionary who traveled from England to India during the tumultuous times of the First World War.

Childhood and Early Life

Born on December 7, 1870, in a town in Lincolnshire, Rev. Posnett was the sixth of eight children in a family with a rich legacy of service to God. His father, Robert Posnett, was a prominent Methodist minister, and his mother, Mary Anne Posnett, served in Sheffield. Influenced by this spiritual heritage, Posnett was immersed in the teachings of the Methodist faith from an early age. He was the grandson of Leonard Posnett and the nephew of Joseph Posnett, a prominent Methodist minister in Leicester, which further deepened his connection to a lineage dedicated to faith and community service.

Education

Rev. Posnett was educated at Woodhouse Grove School and Kingswood School—institutions established for the sons of Methodist ministers by John Wesley. He furthered his education at Richmond College in Surrey, where he trained for ministry, laying the groundwork for his future service.

Submission to God’s Service

At 17, in 1888, Posnett felt a deep calling to serve God, inspired by the teachings of Rev. Thomas Cook. He became a local preacher and a ministerial candidate for the Methodist ministry. His education included training for teaching at Cantough Cathedral, while he also received medical training at London Hospital to equip himself for missionary work.

Missionary Work in Nizam’s Province

In 1892, tragedy struck when the ship carrying Rev. William Burgess and Rev. H. Malkin, both serving in the Nizam’s Kingdom, was wrecked at sea. Moved by this news, the 25-year-old Posnett stepped forward to take Malkin’s place as a missionary. In 1895, he was appointed to serve in Hyderabad Deccan, an independent state under the Nizam. A few years later, he relocated to Medak, where he would spend the remainder of his missionary career until 1939.

During his time, Posnett established a training institution for teachers and church leaders, embodying his commitment to education and community upliftment. He was accompanied by Rev. H. Field, who welcomed him at the port of Madras. Despite offers to serve in urban areas, Posnett chose to focus on rural communities, embodying the John Wesley Mission’s vision of serving those who needed help the most.

Building a Beacon of Hope

Construction of Medak Cathedral began in 1914 and took a decade to complete, culminating in 1924. Throughout these years, Posnett not only oversaw the building of this Gothic-style marvel but also preached the Gospel, offering spiritual guidance and support to the local population.

The region faced significant hardships, including two devastating famines—the first in the late 1890s and another from 1919 to 1921. During these challenging times, Posnett's commitment to the community was unwavering. He provided both physical food to alleviate hunger and spiritual sustenance to nourish souls, embodying the essence of service and faith.

Beyond its architectural beauty, Medak Cathedral symbolizes social reform and community empowerment. Rev. Posnett established educational institutions, including the Satyaveda Pathashala theological school in 1901, aimed at teaching the Bible to both men and women. This school has since been revived under the new name “Medak Evangelistic Training Centre,” where numerous evangelists have been trained and subsequently ordained as full-time ministers. Notably, my maternal grandparents, Rev. Burgula Venkatratnam Ayyagaru and Deevena Ammagaru, were trainees at this esteemed evangelist institution, which offered a four-year program during the tenure of Rev. Ernest W. Gallagher Dora at Medak.

Posnett's efforts extended to healthcare as well. He set up hospitals and dispensaries in the region, ensuring access to medical assistance during times of need. His holistic approach aimed to address not only spiritual hunger but also physical and educational needs, significantly uplifting the community.

In 1921, Posnett launched an agricultural school to combat oppressive lending practices that left farmers in debt. This initiative promoted cooperative farming and provided education on sustainable practices, further empowering the local population.

The Gentle Giant: A Tale of Strength and Compassion

In a world where appearances often deceive, there are those who embody both physical strength and a gentle spirit. This is the story of a man whose impressive body symmetry contrasted sharply with the tenderness of his heart. Despite his formidable presence, he cared deeply for those around him.

However, this strength sometimes came with unexpected consequences. The horse he lovingly reared tragically succumbed to the weight of his body. The beds and benches he used were unable to withstand his strength, breaking under the pressure, and even the bullock cart he relied on fell victim to the same fate.

Yet, it was his compassion that truly defined him. A bungalow built in Medak became the center of controversy when it was alleged that it was constructed by removing a Muslim cemetery. This accusation targeted Dora Garu, a mild-mannered gentleman who had always acted with integrity. In response to the false claims, he cooperated fully with the inquiry conducted by the Ecclesiastical Department of the Nizam’s Government. After thorough investigation, it was proven that the allegations were unfounded.

Retirement from Missionary Service: Rev. Posnett's Legacy

On May 28, 1939, Rev. Posnett delivered his last sermon, the poignant కడపటి/Kadapati speech, filled with anguish and sorrow. With heartfelt sincerity, he urged his congregation, “Build the churches on the foundations I have laid. Accomplish the works I have begun.”

Just a week later, on June 5, 1939, he visited his beloved Medak Cathedral early in the morning. After a time of prayer, he departed the church grounds, beginning his journey back to England via Secunderabad.

Honoring a Legacy of Service

Upon learning of Rev. Posnett's retirement, the Nizam sent his minister, Akbar Hyder, to Bombay City to express gratitude for his invaluable services, presenting him with the Silver Jubilee Medal as a token of appreciation.

Rev. Posnett's tireless dedication did not go unnoticed. In 1925, he was awarded the title “Knighthood of the First Class Order - Kaiser-i-Hind (K-i-H)” by King George V for his outstanding social service. After 45 years of ministry, he retired in 1939, yet his commitment to the Medak community remained. Even from England, he continued to support the church financially and correspond with local leaders.

Rev. Posnett was also honored with five other distinguished titles:

1. Christu Yodudu -(క్రీస్తు యోధుడు - Warrior for Christ)

2. Master Builder (మహాశిల్పకారి - Maha Shilpakari)

3. Donor (ధర్మదాత - Dharma Daatha)

4. Model Servant (మాదిరి సేవకుడు - Maadiri Sevakudu)

5. The Unprecedented Person (ఆపూర్వ వ్యక్తి ఐన మహానీయుడు - Apoorva Vyakthiayina Mahaneeyudu)

Literary Contributions

In addition to his missionary work, Rev. Posnett was an accomplished author, having written two significant books:

1. Outlines of Biblical Characters was written by Posnett for student-evangelists at the training center in Medak.

2. Sathyaveda Sangraha Charithra (సత్యవేద సంగ్రహ చరిత్ర)

3. Christu Charithra Saranshavali (క్రీస్తు చరిత్ర సారాంశవలి - Synopsis of the History of Christ)

Rev. Posnett, at the age of 79, died at Bournemouth on 30 September 1950. His legacy extends beyond the grand structure of the cathedral; it encompasses the lives he transformed and the community he uplifted. His values of compassion, service, and faith continue to resonate in the actions of those he inspired.

His sister, Emilie Posnett K-i-H (1866-1966), trained at the London Hospital and, alongside her close friend Sarah Harris (d. 1955), served as a medical missionary in Medak from 1896 to 1939. Known affectionately to her Indian friends as పెద్ద దొరసాని-Pedda Dorasani ('the great lady'), she campaigned vigorously against social prejudice and appalling sanitary conditions. During the mass movement in Hyderabad, Emilie and Sarah worked closely with Posnett to organize the training of young Indian wives as Bible Women. Emilie passed away just two days before her 100th birthday.

Continuing the family legacy, Posnett's son, Sir Richard Neil Posnett, OBE, CMG, KBE, was born in India on 19 July 1919. He was educated at Kingswood School and St. John's College, Cambridge, and enjoyed a distinguished career in the colonial service, spending over twenty years in Uganda. His enthusiasm for decolonialisation marked his contributions, and he passed away on 11 May 2009.

A Lasting Legacy

Rev. Posnett's legacy is not just in the grand structure of the cathedral but also in the lives he transformed and the community he uplifted. His compassion and dedication won the hearts of countless individuals. The cathedral serves as a place of worship and a symbol of hope and resilience.

As we reflect on the history of this remarkable servant of God, let us draw inspiration from Posnett's unwavering commitment to his faith and community. His legacy encourages us to undertake great works for God and serve those in need, fostering a spirit of compassion and generosity for generations to come.

Medak Cathedral is more than just a monumental structure; it is a beacon of hope and faith that continues to inspire. Let us honor the memory of Rev. Charles Walker Posnett and strive to carry forward his vision of service, compassion, and community upliftment. May his story inspire future generations to dream big and work tirelessly in the pursuit of making a positive impact in the world.