Kohima, April 10 (MExN): The Sümi Baptist Convention will commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Sümi Ordination (1926–2026) on April 12 at Lazami Baptist Church, beginning at 9:30 am.
According to a press release issued by the Media Cell of the centenary celebration, the programme will include the unveiling of a monolith in honour of the first Sümi ordained minister, the late Rev. Yemhi Swunetho. The monolith will be unveiled by Rev. Dr. Khehovi Shohe, Director of the Sümi Baptist Convention.
The programme will be chaired by Rev. Akhato L. Achumi, Pastor and Chairman of the SABAK Ordination Board, while Rev. Phushito Chishi, Evangelist of WSBAK, will record the proceedings.
Greetings will be delivered by Rev. Kughato K. Chophy, Executive Secretary of SBAK-Nito Mount and President of the Sümi Baptist Convention. A message from the Word of God will be shared by Rev. Dr. Phughoto Sema, Executive Secretary of WSBAK and Chairman of the Sümi Baptist Convention Ordination Council.
The observance will also include prayers in remembrance of departed Sümi reverends and for those currently serving in ministry. A special prayer will be offered for the reverends and descendants of the late Rev. Yemhi Swunetho.
In addition, Rev. Dr. Hukato Shohe, Principal of Trinity Theological College, will launch a souvenir highlighting the life of Rev. Yemhi Swunetho and the 100-year legacy of Sümi ordination.
Rev. Yemhi Swunetho, born in 1878 to Khakhu of Lazami village, embraced Christianity in 1908 after hearing the gospel from Rev. H.B. Dickson, a missionary of Kohima Field Baptist Church. From 1908 to 1919, he served as a preacher, interpreter, and travelling pastor.
He was baptised in 1920 by Evangelist Zapuzalie Angami along with his wife Mineli, daughter Khuli, and Musalho Nekha, and established Lazami Baptist Church the same year.
On March 25, 1926, he became the first Sümi to be ordained, by Rev. J.E. Tanquist at the Kohima Field Baptist Church Council held at Chishilimi village. He later served as pastor at Yesholutomi Baptist Church in 1927 and Imlomi Baptist Church in 1929, and as Vice Chairman of the Sema Baptist Churches Association and Mission Sub-Centre at Chishilimi. He passed away on October 3, 1932.
The centenary observance aims to honour the legacy of Rev. Yemhi Swunetho and the history of Sümi ordination.
