In early 1921, in the city of Poona. Also known as Pune. Tania’s Granny Diana Margaret Whitehill was baptised at the British Garrison Church of St Mary’s.
Today we took the time to go and visit the church, where Sanjay and Dinesh couldn’t have been more helpful. Dinesh gave us a full guided tour of the church, even taking us onto the roof and up the bell tower.
Unfortunately, as the church is currently undergoing renovation works. So the archives have been moved from the office to a safer place. So it wasn’t possible to look through the church records. Dinesh has promised to find Granny’s baptism record, photograph it and forward it on.
Unbelievably part of the renovation work has included the original organ pipes. Sent back to Britain for refurbishment by the original manufacturer. Amazing as the church was built in 1825.
The church has maintained most of its original features. Full of British memorials for the soldiers stationed at the Garrison. It was never blue in colour originally being white, then grey and only going blue during this refurbishment. Much to some of the parishioner’s disapproval.
A very moving moment for Tania to see the church where her Granny was baptized. Along with the Garrison area where her great grandparents lived.
