HISTORY OF THANGTE CHURCH

1. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH :

In April 1956, when Thangte village consisted of only 40 households, a revival group arrived from Theiriat and sowed the seeds of spiritual revival. During the observance of Good Friday, there was great spiritual joy. A village square fellowship was organized, led by the then Local Chairman Pu Rawmala (Baptist Church). During the service, filled with the Holy Spirit, Lalhmingliana (Hming buara-a) stood up to dance and shouted ‘HALLELUIAH AMEN’. Finding this unacceptable, the Chairman escorted him out, but he re-entered and was escorted out again. Discontent arising from this incident led to a major division within the Baptist Church. The group seeking the revival of the Holy Spirit, comprising about 130 people, began holding separate worship services at the home of Mr. LAL Sanghleia, thereby marking the establishment of the UPC (I).

2. ACQUISITION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE CHURCH BUILDING :

Following the separation into a distinct congregation, plans were immediately drawn up to build a church building. On May 6, 1956, the first church building was constructed using bamboo walls. Shortly thereafter, it was rebuilt using sawn timber, measuring 4 fathoms in length and 4 fathoms in width, with a wooden floor.

Due to the outbreak of regional conflict (political unrest), the military burned down the church building. It was later rebuilt following the resettlement down at the designated grouping village. The chronological history of the church construction is as follows:

Efforts are currently underway to construct a RCC (reinforced concrete) building.

3. PIONEERING LEADERS :

Shortly after the establishment of the church in 1956, church leaders were appointed, and the church has continued smoothly to this day. Below is the list of past leaders:

In particular, Elder Lallawma, Elder A. Lalmawia, Elder Hrangdaia, and Elder F. Lalruala served as church leaders for a long duration. Since 1985, the posts of Secretary and Treasurer were separated into independent roles.

NOTABLE HISTORICAL EVENTS :

Significant events in the church from its establishment to the present day:

1. In 1961, the District Conference was hosted at Thangte.
2. In 1975, an order was issued to evacuate/leave the village. In distress due to the Deputy Commissioner’s order, the congregation gathered in the open village square and held corporate PRAYER to God, resulting in the cancellation of the DC's order.
3. In 1985, District Superintendent Rev. H. Lalruata visited.
4. In 1997, District Superintendent Rev. Zalawma visited.
5. In 1998, District Superintendent Rev. CS. Pachhunga visited.