HISTORY OF HAULAWNG LALVENG LOCAL CHURCH

Haulawng is an old village that has already celebrated its Centenary. Haulawng Lalveng has historically been the seat of the Chief (Lal) and the original heart of the village, whereas other localities developed through subsequent expansion.

ESTABLISHMENT AND INCEPTION

In 1961, Pu Lalruala and his wife of Haulawng Lalveng were baptized in the name of Jesus and earnestly prayed for the establishment of the UPC church in the area.

Following the UPC General Conference held at Lunglei Rahsiveng from February 28 to March 4, 1962, Evan. Saithanchhunga, an evangelist in Pastor Vankunga's district (Eastern Sector), was requested to conduct ministry work in Haulawng. He was accompanied by Pastor Lalthima of Lunglei, Evan. Hrangchhina, along with elders and youth members from Mausen.

Establishment of the Church :
The Lord greatly blessed Evan. Saithanchhunga’s ministry, leading to a major baptismal service on Sunday, March 11, 1962. Pi Lalsangi became the first person baptized on this day, alongside several others who received the covenant of the Lord and immediately formed an independent congregation. March 11, 1962, is officially commemorated as the establishment date of the church.

Key leaders from the Baptist Church also joined, including Pu Sawithanga, Pu Chalhnuna, Pu Chaltluanga, and Pu Ziktea, who became prominent pioneer leaders of the Haulawng Lalveng Church.

Atmosphere Prior to Formal Organization :
Although meeting separately, the church functioned for some time without an officially appointed committee. The congregation grew rapidly to 120 members. Active laymen took initiative to organize meetings and make decisions. Key early organizers included Pu Hrangbuka (who served as primary leader), Pu Lalchaia, Pu Saihranga (Chief of Haulawng), Pu Dengbuaia, Pu Sawivela, Pu Lalkhama, and Pu Satkhama.
Services were held nightly with great fervor and community joy, attracting frequent visitors. A notable advantage for the young church was the active participation and strong support of the Chief of Haulawng (Pu Saihranga) and his wife, which earned the congregation respect across the village.

CHURCH BUILDING DEVELOPMENT

Initially, services were held at the residence of Pu Dengbuaia before the congregation undertook church building projects.

• 1st Church Building : Built in 1962 at the present site as a bamboo structure (Maurap) and dedicated by Pastor J. Laltluanga.
• 2nd Church Building : Planned in 1965 to replace the aging structure. Construction was delayed due to regional insurgency in 1966 and completed in 1968. Measuring 30 ft by 15 ft, it was a wooden structure with a tin roof, dedicated by District Pastor Rev. Hrangchhina.
• 3rd Church Building : Constructed in 1976 measuring 36 ft by 18 ft, built with timber framing, tin roofing, and tile walling. In 1991, this building was destroyed by a severe cyclone. For over a year, the congregation met at the residence of Pu H. Sangkhuma.
• 4th Church Building : An Assam-type structure measuring 40 ft by 22 ft was built to replace the destroyed church, dedicated by Rev. H. Chalchhunga with a celebratory feast.
• 5th Church Building : Resolved for construction by the Church Board on July 4, 2002. Foundation stone laid on May 19, 2007, by Rev. Hrangchhina. The congregation moved into the RCC structure (55 ft by 27 ft) on February 16, 2008, with official dedication performed in 2011 by District Superintendent Rev. R. Lalrosanga.

NOTABLE EVENTS, BRANCHES, AND PASTORS

The baptism of Chief Pu Saihranga and his wife Pi Chawngthiangi significantly strengthened the church's standing early on. They also donated the church bell.

Hosted District-Level Conferences (LAD Conferences):

• January 29, 1983 (14th Conference)
• February 11, 1989 (20th Conference)
• February 10, 1990 (21st Conference)

Churches Established from Haulawng Lalveng:

• Melveng Local : 1970
• Hmuntlang ‘H’ Local : 1971
• New Haulawng Local : 2005

Ordained Ministers Produced:

• Rev. H. Chalchhunga : Served as District Pastor and District Superintendent until retirement.
• Rev. Hualzika
• Rev. Zalawma : Served as District Superintendent, General Mission Director, and General Sunday School Director.
• Rev. T. Bualzika

CURRENT STATUS AND LEADERSHIP (2025)

Current Status (2025) :
As of 2025, Haulawng Lalveng Church comprises 47 families (plus 2 temporary families) with a total of 210 members.

2025-2026 Church Leaders :

• Chairman : Elder Thanbanglova
• Vice Chairman : Elder Saichhingpuia
• Secretary : Evan. B. Zonunsanga
• Asst. Secretary : Elder H. Hrangchuailova
• Treasurer : Elder Lalhmunsanga Tlau
• Statistician : Rbt. H. Lalramsanga