Molungkimong, November 11 (MExN): The first Church on Naga soil got a new building which was formally inaugurated and dedicated by the Executive Secretary of Ao Baptist Church Council (ABAM), Rev Dar Mar Atsongchanger this evening at Molungkimong village (some ninety kilometers away from Mokokchung town) in the presence of church leaders from ABAM, pastors from neighboring villages and Molungkimong Village Council leaders and elders.
The newly constructed and magnificent RCC building can accommodate nearly seven hundred believers and has been constructed at a cost of nearly one crore rupees. According to villagers, this is the seventh church building that has been constructed since Dr EW Clark first stepped his foot into Naga hills in Molungkimong village and established the first church in the village on December 22, 1872. The earlier churches were made of thatch and also tin roofs, which ultimately withered away. The newly constructed building is expected to last for a long time to come. It is said that Dr Clark first established a chapel constructed out of reeds and sticks here at Molungkimong village on December 22, 1872, from where the gospel of Christianity gradually and steadily spread all over the Naga areas.
The ABAM Executive Secretary, Rev Dr Mar Atsongchanger, while inaugurating the new church building, said that among the different kinds of inauguration, church inauguration remains one of the most special and auspicious of all. While invoking God’s blessing in the inauguration, Rev Dr Atsongchanger to renew the spiritual life of the people and to sanctify themselves for the higher calling of God’s purpose.
Meanwhile, in the evening devotional programme, the Dimapur Ao Baptist Church (DABA) Pastor, Rev N Tzudir was the main speaker, implored the congregation to give their hearts wholeheartedly to God.
The programme was chaired by the Associate Pastor (Women) of Tuli Town Baptist Church, Mapula, while a Deacon of MBC, P Rongsen delivered the welcome speech. Singers from the popular ao band, Samaro and also singers from Kohima Institution presented special numbers. The church inaugural and dedication programme will conclude on Sunday, November 11, 2012 with ABAM Executive Secretary, Rev Dr Mar Atsongchanger as the main speaker of Sunday’s devotional service.
