Ponniah Releases New Film

In the mid 1920s, a Hindu man in the southernmost part of India accepted Jesus after hearing the hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross," in the Tamil language.  Although ostracized by his family, the missionary who baptized the young man took him into his own home.  Trained by the missionary, this Hindu young man became an Advenist pastor.  My grandfather repeated his conversion story in great detail to anyone who would listen to him. "The Old Rugged Cross," was his favorite hymn.

"The Old Rugged Cross" has been my favorite hymn ever since I heard the story from my grandfather.  Providentially, a week after I arrived in the U.S., the late Dr. Mervyn Maxwell, former Professor of Church History at Andrews University Theological Seminary, introduced me to the old country church where this hymn was born.

Along with Molly Shaffer, an Old Rugged Cross Foundation board member, I researched the story behind this popular hymn.  Our research took us to Reed City, Albion among other places connected with this hymn story.

The script for the film, “The Old Rugged Cross: A Hymn Story,” incorporates research and conversation with a few individuals who knew Pastor George Bennard, the hymn’s author.

Although this film utilizes a mixed method, it can be classified as a docudrama genre.  Main talents featured include Stephen Zork, an Associate Professor of Music at Andrews, as Pastor Bennard, and Susan Zork, a  Professor of Religion at Andrews, as Mrs. Bostwick, Pokagon Church pastor’s wife.

For me, this film is a part of my spiritual journey.  Someday soon, when the Christ Who died on the cross returns to take us to his Heavenly home, I’ll hear the rest of the story about the cross.  Until then, my prayer shall be: “Jesus keep me near the Cross.”  Thanks be to God.

By: Melchizedek Ponniah
Director & Producer

Look for “The Old Rugged Cross: A Hymn Story” soon!  Available at Christian bookstores September 2011.