HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

In 1958, Lungrang South-I Local (Lungrang ‘S’ Local was its original name, being the older/original village. To this day, this village retains the name Lungrang South, and in 2024, the Village Council officially changed its name to Lungrang South-I. Within the Church, however, it was known as Upper Lungrang, and from 2024 onwards, the District Board approved it as UPC Lungrang South-I. Meanwhile, those who moved down towards the road junction continued to use the name Lungrang ‘S’ Local). In the early days, the village comprised about 100 households. During those times, only the Baptist Church and the Seventh Day Adventist Church existed. In the year 1958, a great spiritual revival took place in their village.

In June 1961, Pastor Laltluanga, Evangelist Chuauruma, Evangelist Zahlira, Bro. Aithanga, Bro. Aitluanga, Bro. Lawmkunga, along with several of their companions, visited the village and held services and singing sessions with them. After staying for a week, on 5th June 1961, the baptismal pool was opened, and Pastor Laltluanga administered baptism. Those who were first baptized were Young Man Buaithanga, Bro. Suakhranga, and Sis. Chalperi.

Opposition from the Church:

When believers were baptized in this manner, the Church Secretary announced to the congregation: “Let all who have been baptized in the name of Jesus this time know that from now on, you will have no further role or share in these drums, gongs, or any Church properties. Furthermore, Sawnga (father of Evan. LH. Lalbiaksanga), even though he was not baptized in the name of Jesus, enthusiastically participated at the baptismal pool, shouting 'Hallelujah, the Lord has found them again,' and raised his leg in joy; therefore, I also announce that he no longer holds any role as an elder or any share in these drums, gongs, and Church properties,” announcing this before a large gathering.

Separate Services Begin:

Following this opposition, they began holding separate worship services. Pu Rawnala offered his house for worship until they could build a church building, for which they were deeply grateful. Having no drum, they beat on a tin container. Lacking a gong, they simply relied on the sound of the Baptist Church gong. The date they first held separate services was Sunday morning, 11th June 1961. That morning, the Mission members sang, “Though the wind of sin blows against my faith, it does not fade,” while our side sang, “Though my neighbors and relatives reject me,” both singing with great fervor. It is said that nearly half of the village church members joined these separate services. The early Pentecostal Pastor, Pastor Zabuaia, was also laid to rest in this village.

Early Church Leaders:

• Elder Sawnga : Baptist Church Village Pastor
• Elder Zazawna : Serving Chairman, Baptist Church Committee
• Ministers/Workers : Bro. Suakhranga, Bro. Lalchawia, Bro. Pathima
• Chairman : Elder Zazawna
• Secretary/Treasurer : Lalchawia

PRESENT STATUS OF THE CHURCH

Because the majority of the population shifted down towards the road junction section, this original village now consists of only around 80 households. Through District financial assistance and the dedicated contributions of church members, a concrete church building measuring 45 feet by 21 feet has been constructed. We currently have 17 church households. According to the latest census (2025), there are 65 members. Except for PYD, all church departments are fully established.

2025-2026 Church Leaders :

• Chairman : Elder Lawmawma
• Secretary : Elder Rindika
• Treasurer : Elder Dengngura

Church Name Change:

Starting from the year 2024, what was previously called Upper Lungrang was changed to Lungrang South-I, and the Church subsequently adopted this official name.