Sumi Baptist Church Kohima marks pre-centenary music ministry celebration

• DIMAPUR — The Sumi Baptist Church Kohima (SBCK) marked a significant milestone in its journey towards a century of existence with the pre-centenary music ministry celebration held at the church premises on Sunday.

Rev. Hojevi Kappo delivering a sermon during the pre-centenary celebration of music, Sumi Baptist Church Kohima on Sunday.

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• In a press release, the SBCK Centenary Jubilee media cell stated that the event is part of the year-long celebration commemorating 100 years of the church's establishment from 1925 to 2025, themed ‘Faithful through the ages.’
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• The celebration was a blend of nostalgia and festivity, honouring the pioneers of music ministry while showcasing the vibrant musical talents under the SBCK umbrella.
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• The pre-centenary music ministry celebration was observed in the morning devotional service and evening Sunday services. Rev. Hojevi Kappo, Secretary of DoCMM, WSBAK, and former Music Director of SBCK, delivered a sermon in the devotional service, reflecting on the rich history of SBCK and its reputation for musical bands in the 1980s.

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• Rev. Kappo expressed gratitude for witnessing the church's 100th-year centenary celebration and emphasised the significance of music, stating, “Music and song are the identity of our people.”
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• The sermon focused on Psalm 137, exploring the emotional and spiritual depth of the Psalm and reminding the congregation to remain steadfast in hope and devotion during times of trial. Rev. Kappo urged believers to introspect and reform their spiritual lives through the centenary celebration, stressing the importance of preserving the “Sutsa mother tongue and Sumi culture.”
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• As the head of the Afuko School of Music and Indigenous Arts in Dimapur, Rev. Kappo emphasised the urgency of inculcating the value of traditions and culture of one's tribe. He noted that the American missionaries who brought the gospel to the Naga Hills respected and preserved the local culture and social identity.
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• “This reflection was especially meaningful as we journey together through our centenary year — a time to remember, to weep with joy and reverence, and to sing the Lord’s song even in unfamiliar lands,” he said.
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• The celebration highlighted the church's maturity over the past century and reinforced the bonds of faith and community that have defined SBCK's journey. Rev. Kappo encouraged the Sumi tribe to continue promoting music and preserving their cultural identity for the glory of God.
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• Y. Kikheto Sema, Chairman of the Centenary Planning Board, greeted the congregation and highlighted SBCK's rich musical heritage. He noted that SBCK has been blessed with numerous musical bands since the early 1980s, including Spring Voice, Living Witness, Male Voice, True Vine, and many others.
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• The pre-centenary celebration of music on Sunday featured a musical fellowship with 12 musical bands, including Spring Voice, Healing Calls, Niu Lajupu, Living Witness, Family Music Band, LMST, Harmonica Brothers, Male Voice, Lokivi Lejo, Kükümgha Sütsa, Kikimiye Lejo, True Vine, and the Centenary Choir. Their performances enthralled the audience during the evening session.
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• Khekavi K Yeptho, Pastor of SBCK, pronounced the dedicatory prayer for the centenary jubilee celebration, while Afuko School of Music & Indigenous Arts and the Centenary Choir presented a special song.
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• Khevihse Yeptho, former Church Secretary delivered a greeting message and a Centenary Leshe by Zhutovi Chisho, ex-Deacon and former Music Convenor and melody song by Afuko School of Music & Indigenous Arts and the Centenary Choir.
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• “This celebration not only highlighted the church's rich musical heritage but also reinforced the bonds of faith and community that have defined SBCK's journey over the decades,” it stated.