Sümi Baptist Convention to celebrate 100th anniversary ordination of Rev. Yemhi Swunetho.
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DIMAPUR — The Sümi Baptist Convention (SBC) is set to celebrate the 100th anniversary ordination of Late Rev. Yemhi Swunetho, the first Sumi ordained minister (1926-2026), on April 12 at 9:30 am at Lazami Baptist Church.
An update from the organising committee stated that Rev. Dr. Khehovi Shohe, director of Sümi Baptist Convention, will unveil the monolith and the programme will be chaired by Rev. Akhato L Achumi, pastor and chairman of SABAK Ordination Board.
Key highlights would include greetings from Rev. Kughato K Chophy, executive secretary of SBAK- Nito Mount and president of the Sümi Baptist Convention, and a message would be delivered by Rev. Dr. Phughoto Sema, executive secretary of WSBAK and chairman of the Sümi Baptist Convention Ordination Council.
It stated that the historic celebration would incorporate solemn prayers in commemoration of the departed Sumi Reverends and those presently serving the Lord. A dedicated prayer would also be offered for the Reverends and the descendants of the late Reverend Yemhi Swunetho.
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It also stated that Rev. Dr. Hukato Shohe, principal of Trinity Theological College, would launch a souvenir profiling the late Rev. Yemhi Swunetho and the 100-year legacy of Sumi ordination.
It mentioned that Rev. Yemhi Swunetho, son of Khakhu of Lazami village, was born in 1878. He heard the word of God from Rev. HB Dickson, missionary of Kohima Field Baptist Church (1905-1908), and converted to Christianity in 1908.
From 1908-1919, he served as a preacher, interpreter and traveling pastor. Baptised in 1920 by Evangelist Zapuzalie Angami along with his wife Mineli, daughter Khuli and Musalho Nekha, he established Lazami Baptist Church that same year.
On March 25, 1926, Rev. Yemhi became the first person from Sumi tribe to be ordained by Rev. JE Tanquist at the Kohima Field Baptist Church Council in Chishilimi village. He later served as pastor of Yesholutomi Baptist Church (1927) and Imlomi Baptist Church (1929). Besides, he also served as vice chairman of the Sema Baptist Churches Association and Mission Sub-Centre at Chishilimi before passing away on October 3, 1932.