ABOUT ZOTUITLANG VILLAGE :

Following the government order allowing villagers to return to their native places after the insurgency period, some residents of Hnahchang village who were grouped at Pangzawl returned in 1975. Instead of reoccupying Hnahchang hill, they settled at Zotuitlang. Initially, there were only about 10 households. Over time, families migrated from various places, increasing both households and population. In 2021, there were 128 households with a total population of 605.

CHURCH HISTORY :

Initially, residents worshipped together as a single non-denominational community. Over time, as distinct doctrinal beliefs grew, worshipping together became increasingly challenging. Consequently, members of the BCM, Salvation Army (SA), and UPC prepared to worship independently, separating into distinct denominations in 1976.

ESTABLISHMENT OF UPC :

Following the establishment of independent local churches, Rev. Hrangchhina, the then Section Pastor of Haulawng Section, officially organized the Zotuitlang UPC local church on May 1, 1976, by appointing its pioneer leaders. At the time of its foundation, the church comprised 5 families and approximately 20 members. The first church leaders were :

• Chairman : Elder Hrangkhuma
• Secretary/Treasurer : Elder Darzawna
• Church Board Members : Bro. T. Aichhunga, Sist. Lallianthangi

CHURCH BUILDING AFFAIRS :

At its inception, the church did not have a dedicated building and held services at the home of Elder Hrangkhuma. They experienced great spiritual fellowship. When village leaders allowed each denomination to select their preferred plot of land, the present UPC church site was chosen by Elder Hrangkhuma (father of Rev. T. Aichhunga, Pensioner).

1st Church Building :

The first church building was constructed in 1978 as a bamboo structure, completed within a short period. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by strong winds, leaving the congregation without a church building for nearly two years. During this period, services were held at the residence of Elder Darzawna.

2nd Church Building :

Around 1982-1983, plans were made to construct a new church. With growing membership and the establishment of the PYD youth department, funds were raised enthusiastically. The second church building was successfully completed using sawn timber.

In 1985, residents of Valcheng section merged into Zotuitlang. Membership rose to 140 that year, completing the setup of all church departments.

3rd Church Building :

In 1996, preparations began for a third church structure. Construction commenced on February 25, 1996, measuring 51 ft in length and 27 ft in width. Funds were raised through brick firing, pork, and cloth ticket sales, generating a total of ₹2,73,422/-.

The building was constructed as a semi-RCC structure up to the roof beam level. It was completed after 3 years and 2 months. On May 31, 1999, District Superintendent Rev. H. Chalchhunga officially dedicated and opened the church, attended by 9 pastors. The dedication feast featured 1 bullock, 1 pig, and 6 chickens. The dedication program was video recorded by Dr. Lip (Pu Hranghrima) of Lunglei Bazar, bringing great joy to the congregation.

4th Church Building :

As time passed, the church membership continued to grow, rendering the previous building old and small. In 2019, the decision was made to construct a new church. On April 6, 2019, Section Pastor R. Lalsangzuala laid the foundation stone. Church members contributed through physical labor and financial offerings. The District provided a financial grant of ₹3,50,000/-. The proposed church measures 70 ft by 34 ft, and preparations continue toward completing a grand new sanctuary.

NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE CHURCH HISTORY :

Since its inception, the Zotuitlang local church has experienced profound divine blessings. Key historical highlights include :

In 1985, 44 members from Valcheng Local joined to serve the Lord together in unity, bringing immense joy to the church community.

In 1997, the church hosted a revival camp led by the 'Zion Commando Team' and Speaker C. Vanlalena (now General Missions Director). The camp experienced a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit. On the final day, members marched from the camp venue to the sanctuary singing, weeping, and shouting praises. Many received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Water Baptism.

During Christmas 2006 and New Year 2007, gospel singing fellowship was hosted at the residence of Elder Saisiama. It continued for a month and a half, featuring 12 community feasts and resulting in numerous spiritual renewals among both members and church leaders.

On May 1, 2001, the church celebrated its Silver Jubilee, publishing a souvenir and erecting a Jubilee monument.

Over 100 members participated in hauling the large memorial stone from Mauphir in the Valcheng area, marking a memorable and historic milestone.

UPC NEI GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION :

The local church celebrated the 50th Golden Jubilee of UPC North East India. The stone collection event took place on February 15, 2000, while main services and singing fellowships were held from the evening of February 17 to February 18, 2000.

On the Jubilee Day, Elder R. Saisiama and Elder C. Dokhuma rang the Jubilee bell. Fellowship gatherings took place at the home of Bro. T. Thanmawia, followed by a celebratory feast on Jubilee evening.

On January 25, 2009, the Church Board resolved to build a Sunday School Hall. A Joint Committee subsequently named the structure the 'Diamond Jubilee Hall'.

On February 18, 2010, marking the 60th Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) of UPC North East India, Zotuitlang Local organized special celebratory services, singing sessions, and feasts.

A Diamond Jubilee memorial stone was erected, and the Sunday School Hall was officially dedicated as the 'Diamond Jubilee Hall'.

HISTORICAL CHURCH RECORDS :

• First Chairman : Elder Hrangkhuma
• First Secretary : Elder Darzawna
• First Treasurer : Rbt. T. Aichhunga
• Longest-serving Chairman : Elder R. Thlamuana (17 yrs)
• Longest-serving Secretary : Elder Hmuakliana (30 yrs)
• Longest-serving Treasurer : Elder R. Duhawma (17 yrs)
• First Female Official : Sist. Lallianthangi
• First Convert Baptized : Zahuata (12.09.1977)
• First Ordained Pastor : Rev. T. Aichhunga

ESTABLISHMENT DATES OF CHURCH & DEPARTMENTS :

• Local Church : 01.05.1976
• Mission Dept. : 20.02.1983
• Sunday School : 1980
• LAD : 1981
• PYD : 26.02.1983
• PCD : 1985
• PMD : 26.08.1997

CURRENT STATUS (2025) :

Currently (as of 2025), the Pentecostal Church in Zotuitlang has 50 households and 232 active members.

2025-2026 LOCAL CHURCH BOARD :

• Chairman : Elder R. Thlamuana
• Vice Chairman : Elder R. Lalduhawma
• Secretary : Evan. H. Hmuakliana
• Assistant Secretary : Rbt. C. Rothangpuia
• Treasurer : Rbt. H. Rodawngliana
• Statistician : Rbt. RL. Hmingthanzuala