Origin and Establishment of the Church

Tawipui North-I is situated within Lunglei District, located 40 km from Lunglei town along the Lawngtlai Road, falling under the administrative jurisdiction of Tawipui Section. As of 2025, the village comprises approximately 170 households across three church denominations—BCM, PCI, and UPC (NEI)—with a total village population ranging between 700 and 750 residents.

The UPC local church was established on June 1, 1987, when Pu Chhawntlirha (L) and seven other believers were baptized in the name of Jesus to form the congregation.

At its inception, the church comprised 31 members. On January 1, 1988, Sectional Pastor Aihrima formally organized the local church and appointed Pu Chhawntlirha as an Elder. Construction of the first church building commenced in March 1988, measuring 24 feet in length and 15 feet in width, constructed using bamboo matting walls and sawn timber framing.

Between 1989 and 1990, the congregation underwent another formal church organization led by Pastor PC. Rosanga, electing the following leadership:

Church Board Office Bearers (1989–1990):

• Chairman : Elder Chhawntlirha (L)
• Vice Chairman : Elder Zangaia (L)
• Secretary : Bro. Lianmawia
• Treasurer : Bro. Rinzuala (L)

Ordained Elders:
1. Elder Chhawntlirha (L)
2. Elder Zangaia (L)
3. Elder Aimawia (L)

Church Workers:
1) Chhawntlirha (L)   2) Zangaia (L)   3) Aimawia (L)
4) Lianmawia   5) Vanlalmuana (L)   6) H. Biakthanga

Early Departmental Leadership

MISSION DEPARTMENT:

• Director : Elder Aimawia
• Secretary/Treasurer : Bro. Vanlalmuana

SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT:

• Superintendent : Elder Zangaia
• Secretary : Sist. Zemawia

LADIES AUXILIARY DEPARTMENT (LAD):

• President : Suangnawni (L)
• Vice President : Lawmzuali (L)
• Secretary : Zemawii
• Asst. Secretary : Nunnemi
• Treasurer : Lalhnemi (L)
• Fin. Secretary : Thianghlimi
• Committee Members : Biakkimi, Darkimi, Terami, Huathliangi

Church Buildings and Construction History

Over time, the church membership steadily expanded beyond 50 believers. Despite the passing of early leaders and the relocation of members for employment, the church building was reconstructed in 2002. The new structure measured 30 feet in length and 18 feet in width, built with tile walling and a corrugated iron roof, serving the congregation until 2025.

Due to location constraints of the existing church site, a request for land acquisition funds was submitted to the District leadership. With District Board approval, land belonging to Pu K. Vanlalkunga in Dinthar Veng, Tawipui N-I, was purchased for ₹80,000. On October 20, 2023, Sectional Pastor Rev. R. Vanlalenga laid the foundation stone for the new building, with actual construction beginning in June 2024.

The new reinforced concrete (RCC) sanctuary measures 54 feet in length and 27 feet in width. The congregation officially moved into and began occupying the new sanctuary on the evening of Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Present Status

Tawipui North-I Local Church currently has 44 members according to the 2025 report, including 3 Ordained Elders and 4 Church Workers.

Local Leaders for 2025–2026:

• Chairman : Elder H. Kaphranga
• Secretary : Elder H. Vanlalhminga
• Treasurer : Elder Lalmuankima
• Statistician : Elder H. Vanlalhminga