HISTORY OF HAULAWNG LAMTHUAMTHUM LOCAL CHURCH

Haulawng is an ancient, prominent village located 38 km north of Lunglei, which has already celebrated its centenary. During the Mizo political disturbance, it served as a major Grouping Centre. In the earlier days, Haulawng hosted three small UPC congregations: Lalveng, Haulawng Vengthlang (Hmuntlang ward), and Melveng Local.

On May 18, 1986, to strengthen church operations and growth, Hmuntlang ‘H’ Local and Melveng Local merged into a single congregation of 250 members. The combined church initially held services at the existing Melveng chapel. The newly formed local was initially named 'Haulawng UPC' before officially adopting the name 'Lamthuamthum UPC'.

PIONEER CHURCH LEADERS

Pioneer Executive Officers :

• Chairman : Rev. Zalawma (Section Pastor)
• Vice Chairman : Elder Lalthuama
• Secretary : R. Chhawnkima
• Treasurer : Evan. B. Hrangkhuma

Elected Ordained Elders :

• Elder Lalawia
• Elder Lalthuama
• Elder Vankhama
• Elder Tawnluaia
• Elder Kawlkhuma

Elected Church Workers :

• Laldika
• Rualchhina
• Dengkunga
• Lalthlamuana

CHURCH BUILDING CHRONOLOGY

Following the merger, the existing chapel proved too small and aging for the enlarged membership, prompting immediate plans for a new church building.

• 1st Church Building (1989) : In 1986, construction began on an RCC structure. Rev. HL. Ruata, then District Superintendent, officially initiated foundation prayers. During construction, services were held at the old Hmuntlang 'H' chapel, where General Superintendent Rev. P. Chunga Singson paid an official visit. Completed and occupied in 1989, it hosted follow-up revival meetings in early 1990 and the District PYD Conference in 1991.
• 2nd Church Building (2000) : Shortly after hosting the 1991 conference, a severe cyclone destroyed the building. Receiving Rs. 2000/- in relief aid from the District, members fundraised for a year and began constructing a new RCC chapel on May 11, 1992. The family of Pu Rongheta generously hosted church services in their home for nearly two years. Dedicated on May 20, 2000, by Section Pastor Rev. R. Lalrosanga.
• 3rd Church Building (Ongoing) : Demolition of the previous chapel began in 2018 to construct a larger, modern sanctuary. Work was temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic during roof and wall construction, but active efforts continue to complete the project.

NOTABLE EVENTS AND CURRENT STATUS (2025)

Hosted District Conferences :

• 1991 - District PYD Conference
• 2001 - District LAD Conference
• 2008 - District LAD Conference
• 2015 - District PYD Conference

Former Pastors : Rev. C. Vanlalena, Pastor Muanpuia Colney

Current Membership : Starting at ~250 members in 1986, growth remained steady despite relocations and demographical shifts. As of 2025, the local church comprises 278 members across 66 resident households and 1 non-resident household.

2025-2026 Local Church Board :

• Chairman : Elder R. Chhawnkima
• Vice Chairman : Elder RL Hmingchungnunga
• Secretary : Rbt. H. Lalhmangaihzuala
• Assistant Secretary : Rbt. P. Lalthansanga
• Treasurer : Rbt. C. Lalngaizuala
• Statistician : Rbt. Lalhnehpuia Ralte

Note: This history accounts for the church timeline starting from the merger of Haulawng Vengthlang and Melveng locals.