Sumi Baptist Church Kohima marks pre-centenary music ministr
Sumi Baptist Church Kohima marks pre-centenary music ministry celebration
Sumi Baptist Church Kohima marked a significant milestone in its journey towards a century of existence with the pre-centenary music ministry celebration held at the church premises
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.
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.’
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
