Rev Dr Mar Pongener, General Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council and Rev Devanand Kadariya, General Secretary, Nepal Baptist Church Council along with SBCK church officials during the SBCK Centenary celebration on November 9. (Photo Courtesy: SBCK Media Cell)
Morung Express News
Kohima | November 9
The Sumi Baptist Church Kohima (SBCK) marked a historic milestone as it celebrated its Centenary Jubilee, which culminated on November 9.
The two-day celebration, held under the theme “Alhokupuju lo pükhükulu (Faithful through the Ages),” witnessed a series of spiritually enriching programmes that reflected on the church’s 100 years of faith and service.
The final day of the celebration was marked by a devotional programme in the morning, led by Dr L Botoholi Yeptho, Associate Pastor.
The session featured a rich blend of worship and cultural expression, including Thishole—a traditional Sumi Naga folk song symbolising the rhythmic labour of pounding rice.
The programme also included special musical performances by the Sumi Aphuyemi Baptist Church Kohima (SABCK) and the SBCK Centenary Choir.
Among others, Rev Dr Mar Pongener (General Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council) and Rev. Devanand Kadariya (General Secretary, Nepal Baptist Church Council) graced the celebration.
In his message on the topic “Alhokupuju lo pükhükulu: AküpülüMheghi” (Faithful through the Ages: Faith Legacy), Rev Kughato K Chophi, Executive Secretary, SBAK Nito Mount & President, SBC encouraged the congregation to uphold the enduring legacy of faith passed down through generations.
The evening service was led by Kahoni Shikhu, Associate Pastor. Khekavi K Yeptho, Pastor SBCK, shared the message on “Alhokupuju lo pükhükulu: TsavipeKümla” (Faithful through the Ages: Mission), emphasising the church’s continuing mission and commitment to serve God.
As SBCK concluded its 100-year celebration, members and well-wishers expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness and looked forward to carrying the torch of faith into the next century.
Speaking to The Morung Express, Lujeka Assumi, Associate Pastor, shared that the celebration commemorated and reaffirmed the SBCK’s spiritual journey and vision for the future.
“The history of the Sümi Baptist Church Kohima (SBCK) is a profound narrative of faith, resilience, and strategic evolution, spanning from the origins of the Daklane settlement in the 19th century to its modern institutional commitments,” he added.
Assumi also emphasised the SBCK’s commitment to a spiritual focus, prioritizing mission and evangelism, dedication to peace-making, and formally adopting policies for multi-affiliation and inclusive membership.
“The church’s history is not just a record of the past, but a mandate for its continued role as a pillar of unity and faith in Kohima,” he concluded.
