Sumi Baptist Church Kohima celebrates centenary jubilee

DIMAPUR — The Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima, celebrated its centenary jubilee on the theme “Faithful through the Ages” on Saturday at SBCK, Daklane.

Rev. Dr. Khehovi A Shohe, director of SBC, delivered a powerful message at the opening service, emphasising God's dependability and faithfulness, a DIPR report stated. Speaking on the Jubilee theme, he reminded the congregation that God remains steadfast and trustworthy, even in a world filled with distrust.

He encouraged members to reflect on God's grace and blessings, citing the church's centenary celebration as a testament to God's goodness.

Rev. Shohe noted that people often forget to express gratitude for God's provisions and urged the congregation to remain thankful in all circumstances. He emphasised the importance of carrying a missionary spirit, saying, "Whatever we do and wherever we are, our hearts should carry a missionary spirit and then we will be blessed by God.

Citing the example of Billy Graham, who humbly asked “Why me?” despite being a farmer’s son, he illustrated how God chooses ordinary people to fulfil His divine purposes. He reminded that while many were unable to witness this Jubilee, those present should be deeply thankful to God for His grace and for enabling them and their families to be part of this blessed occasion.

Delivering the jubilee greetings, Y Kikheto Sema, chairman of the centenary planning board, shared the remarkable journey of how the Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima, was established and how it has grown over the past hundred years to reach this historic milestone of celebrating its centenary.

He highlighted the unwavering faith and dedication of the pioneers who laid the foundation of the church through prayer, sacrifice, and unity, despite the challenges of their time.

He expressed that the SBCK has always been a church with a clear vision, rooted in spirituality, committed to promoting peace, and dedicated to carrying forward the mission of Christ. He emphasised that throughout the decades, the church has continued to nurture believers in faith, serve the community, and spread the message of love and reconciliation.

Earlier in the programme, Rev. Shohe unveiled the centenary jubilee monolith at the church premises, while Dr. I Lozhevi Sema released the jubilee souvenir.

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To mark the centenary celebration, Rev. Dr. Yehevi Jimo, senior pastor of TVBC, and translator, unveiled the second edition of the new revised Sumi Bible.

Special songs were presented by the Khedi Baptist Church, Kohima, and the Centenary Jubilee Youth Choir enriched the spirit of thanksgiving and celebration.

The jubilee celebration is being held over two days (November 8 and the 9th), featuring four speakers — Rev. Dr. Khehovi A Shohe, director, SBC; Rev. Kughato K Chophi, executive secretary, SBAK Nito Mount; Rev. Dr. Daniel Chishi, executive secretary, SBAK Aizuto; and Khekavi K Yeptho, pastor, SBCK.

Jubilee greetings will also be shared by Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, general secretary of NBCC; Rev. Devanand Kadariya, general secretary, NBCC Nepal; and Hosheto Achumi, former chairman, board of deacons, SBCK.

Brief history of SBCK

As early as 1907, Sumi Christians held fellowship at the Kohima Mission Church, and in 1921, with permission from missionary JE Tanquist, they established their own congregation. In 1925, the Sumi Baptist Church was formally founded at Daklane, Kohima. Initially, fellowship gatherings were held at the residence of Kiyeho, with Evangelist Zhapuzalie Angami serving as the first pastor. Later, Rev. GW Supplee, an American missionary, sought permission from the then Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, JH Hutton, for a suitable location to build a church. Consequently, the Daklane area was allotted, and the church was constructed in 1928.

During the British rule, the area was occupied by Dak carriers, and many Sumis served in that role for British officers. In 1928, the present site was officially given to the Sumi community for the church’s construction. Although no formal documents were issued, a metal token was presented as a symbolic authorization.

A budget of INR 1,000 was allocated for the construction, with contributions coming not only from the Sumi community but also from the Ao, Lotha, Rengma, Garo, and believers from Upper Assam. The first church building was completed in 1932 and was named the Daklane Church.

During World War II, when the Japanese forces entered Kohima, many residents fled to their villages. After the war ended, they returned in 1944, and the damaged church was rebuilt the same year, marking the resumption of regular fellowship. The second church building was constructed in 1968, while the present structure was inaugurated in 2014.