History of the United Pentecostal Church
in Lunglei District

1. Origin of the United Pentecostal Church in Lunglei District

From the time the Pentecostal Church was first established in the southern region of Mizoram, comprising the present Lunglei District and Chhimtuipui District, the Church grew very rapidly despite the opposition and contempt it faced from the people. This growth was made possible through the dedication, sacrifice, and hard work of our pioneers.

As far as records show, the first Pentecostal Church in the southern region was established at Tarpho Local in 1952. By 1955, only three years later, Pentecostal Churches had already been established in 39 villages in the southern region. At that time, there was only one pastor, Rev. Lalthima, serving the entire area.

The whole southern region, which today has developed into three districts, was initially under one pastor's jurisdiction. An annual gathering was held for the entire area and was known as the Circle Conference.

Beginning in 1963, the southern region was divided into two circles: the Rev. Lalthima Circle and the Pastor J. Laltluanga Circle, and separate Circle Conferences were held. In 1964, the area was further divided into three circles, and separate conferences were conducted accordingly.

The eastern region, comprising Tuichangral, N. Vanlaiphai, and the surrounding areas, was under the leadership of Pastor Lalbiakthanga. For some time, this region and the southern region held their conferences together. These joint gatherings were known as the District Conference.

Beginning in 1962, it was decided that the District Conference should be held separately. As a result, the remaining balance of the offerings collected for the 1961 District Conference was divided among the members according to need. On that occasion, Rs. 4 had been spent, and the remaining amount was distributed, with each person receiving Rs. 11.75.

Not long after the conferences began to be held separately under the name “District Conference,” the idea that the southern region should become a fully independent district gradually gained strength.

2. Establishment as a Full District

In 1963, at the Southern Region District Conference held at Thingsai, Resolution No. 4 stated:

“In order for the Church to become stronger and continue to make progress, the Southern Region should no longer remain under the administration of the Northern Region, but should have a separate district of its own. A request should therefore be submitted to the Superintendent of India.”

Although various difficulties were encountered along the way, the Southern Region was eventually granted full district status. On 29 August 1965, the district was officially declared and inaugurated as a full district.

For several years, the date of the establishment of the District was recorded as 22 August, and this date was observed as District Day. However, an article found in the October 1965 issue of the Lunglei District newspaper, Thuhriltu, gives a different account of the actual inauguration.

According to the article, the Church authorities had originally decided that the District would be inaugurated on Sunday, 22 August. People began gathering before the appointed day, eagerly and enthusiastically participating in worship services and singing.

However, the leaders who were supposed to conduct the inauguration could not arrive on the scheduled date. Most of the people became disappointed and returned home because they could no longer obtain information about the arrival of the leaders. Some people, however, continued to wait.

The leaders finally arrived on Wednesday, 25 August. After their arrival, the matter was discussed and arrangements were reconsidered.

The question of which day would be most appropriate for the inauguration was discussed, and since Sunday was considered the most suitable day, the following Sunday, 29 August 1965, was selected.

Thus, on 29 August 1965, the District was inaugurated with great joy and celebration. The new District was named the South Mizo District.

Division into Bials

In 1966, when the area was still known as the Southern Region, it was divided into nine bials (areas/circles of church administration). The boundaries were determined as follows.

The term Hmar Bial refers to our Mother Church, which today corresponds to the North Mizoram District.

South Mizoram United Pentecostal Church Workers' Special Business Meeting

Held in Lunglei on 20 May 1966, the meeting resolved that the territory of the South Mizoram United Pentecostal Church should be divided into nine bials. Their boundaries were as follows:

At the time when the area was known as the Southern Region, its territory was extremely vast. It was bordered by two foreign countries— Burma and Pakistan—and these international boundaries formed part of the territorial boundaries of the region.

As time passed, the Church continued to grow and make progress. When Chhimtuipui District was established in 1975, it became clear that the term “Southern Region” was no longer appropriate, since the Church no longer covered the whole of southern Mizoram as it had previously.

Therefore, a new name was adopted, and the area came to be known as Lunglei District.