ABOUT UPC LUNGLEI DISTRICT

1. The Origin of United Pentecostal Church, Lunglei District

From the inception of the Pentecostal Church in southern Mizoram (Lunglei District and Chhimtuipui District), amidst scorn from worldly society, the church grew rapidly through the zeal and hard work of our early pioneers. As far as records indicate, the first local church in the southern region was established at Tarpho Local in 1952. By the third year following that, in 1955, the Pentecostal church had already been established in 39 villages across the southern region. At that time, we had only a single minister, Rev. Lalthima.

The entire southern region (which has now birthed 3 Districts) functioned as a single pastorate. Annual conventions were held under the name 'Circle Conference.' Beginning in 1963, the southern region was divided into two Circles, and Circle Conferences were held separately under Pastor Lalthima's section and Pastor J. Laltluanga's section. In 1964, it was reorganized into three Circles, and separate conferences were held for each.

The northeastern region (Tuichangral, N. Vanlaiphai, and all surrounding areas) was pastored by Pastor Lalbiakthanga. That pastorate and the southern region held joint conventions together for a period of time, which were referred to as the ‘District Conference.’

Starting in 1962, following a resolution to hold separate District Conferences, the remaining funds from the 1961 District Conference after necessary expenses (where Rs. 4/- was spent on that occasion) were divided, resulting in each receiving Rs. 11.75.

Shortly after holding separate conferences under the name of District Conference, the necessity to form a full-fledged District grew increasingly strong.

2. On Becoming a Full-Fledged District

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

‘In order that the church may grow strong and continue to make progress, the Southern Region District should no longer remain under Northern administration, but should have a separate District, and an application should be submitted to the Superintendent of India’

Despite various hardships along the way, it was elevated to a full-fledged District at the opportune time, and was officially declared/inaugurated as a full-fledged District on August 29, 1965.

For several years, the establishment date of the District was recorded as ‘22nd August,’ and that day was continuously observed as District Day.

However, an article was discovered in the October 1965 issue of the Lunglei District periodical, ‘Thuhriltu,’ which stated:

‘The church administration resolved that it be inaugurated on Sunday, 22th August, and the public gathered even before the day of arrival to observe this day, eagerly and enthusiastically engaging in services and singing sessions. However, the officiating leaders were unable to arrive on the scheduled day of inauguration, causing most of the public to return home disappointed, while no news of our leaders could be obtained. Some waited patiently. Then, on Dt. 25th August (Wednesday), our leaders finally arrived, and upon their arrival, another resolution was made. The date of inauguration was deliberated, and since a Sunday was deemed most suitable, the upcoming Sunday, 29/8/1965, was appointed. On that day, it was joyfully inaugurated. The District was named ‘South Mizo District’.’

In the year 1966, while still termed the Southern Region, it was divided into 9 sections (presbyteries), with their boundaries set as follows (The term 'Northern Region' refers to our Mother Church, currently known as the North Mizoram District):

South Mizoram United Pentecostal Church Workers' Special Business Meeting
Lunglei. Date - May 20, 1966. The business body resolved that the area encompassed by the South Mizoram United Pentecostal Church be divided into 9 presbyteries, as follows:

Siata Section	North - Ainak East - Burman South - Burma and Pakistan West - Tuipui
Bualpui (NG) Section	North - Lungpher East - Burma South - Chhuarlung West - Tuipui
Sangau Section	North - Lungleng East - Burma South - Vawmbuk West - Tuipui
Mualcheng (S) Section	North - Sairep and Thangpui East - Tuipui South - Tuipui and Pakistan West - Pakistan
Khawpui Section	North - Pukpui East - Ralvawng South - Theiriat West - Vanhne
Lungsen Section	North - Thehlep-Delui East - Hauruang South - Chawngte West - Pakistan
Thenhlum Section	North - Northern Region East - Tlawng South - Thuampui West - Pakistan
Haulawng Section	North - Northern Region East - Mat River South - Chenghpui West - Tlawng
Tarpho Section	North - Northern Region East - Burma South - Rotlang West - Mat River

During the period when it was termed the Southern Region, our territory was vast, flanked by two foreign nations—Burma and Pakistan—which served as our boundaries.

As time progressed and the church continued to advance, Chhimtuipui District was separated in 1975. Since we no longer encompassed the entire southern portion of Mizoram, simply calling it the southern region was no longer deemed appropriate, and the new name ‘Lunglei District’ was adopted.