ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH

Chawngte is located about 96 KM from Lunglei, branching off from Chhumkhum (Rotlang) on the western side of Lunglei. In 1963, Rev. Hrangchina along with several members from Lungrang village conducted ministry work. Through their ministry, Pu Chaldaia and Pu Zaithuama were baptized, though Pu Zaithuama later backslid. Due to the political insurgency, the villagers of Lungrang were grouped together into Chawngte in January 1968. Together with the existing UPC members, the total membership exceeded 240. The church leaders at that time were:

Elders : 1. Sawngkha, 2. Zazawna, 3. Suakthuama, 4. Lianchhunga, 5. Dartlinga

Ministers : 1. Lalchawia, 2. Evan. Liankhuma, 3. Suakhranga, 4. Chaldaia (Secretary), 5. Lianhranga

As the insurgency subsided, most people returned to Lungrang in 1972, leaving only 35 members to start anew. Pu Suakhranga and Pu Lianchhunga actively engaged in preaching ministry. Pu Chaldaia, serving as Secretary, focused primarily on administrative duties rather than preaching.

CHURCH BUILDING

They initially built a tiny church building just below Pu Suakhranga's backyard. The present church location was formerly owned by the ZBM Church, which was purchased from the Village Council (VC) for Rs. 200/-. Elder Lianchhunga also served as the Church Chairman during this time.

The first church building was constructed measuring 30 ft in length and 18 ft in width. In 1991, it was destroyed by a storm and rebuilt. After occupying it for 3 years, they received disaster relief aid amounting to Rs. 15,052.50 from the government, General, and District Headquarters. With great effort, they constructed a concrete church in 1994 measuring 36 ft by 24 ft. At that time, it was considered one of the finest church buildings among UPC churches. That building was demolished in 2021, and a new church building measuring 60 ft in length and 54 ft in width has now been built with an estimated cost of 60 Lakhs (6 Million INR). The congregation worked tirelessly with great enthusiasm. On November 29, 2025, District Superintendent Rev. C. Lalrintluanga officially inaugurated the new church building.

PRESENT STATUS

Currently, there are 187 members (as of 2025), and various church departments are functioning actively and systematically. They play a vital role in supporting the main church through substantial financial contributions. The church leaders for the present term (2025-2026) are: