Rev. Dr. Khehovi A. Shohe, Director, Sumi Baptist Convention, along with dignitaries, after unveiling the Centenary Jubilee Monolith at Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima on November 8.
Kohima, November 8 (MExN): The two-day Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima Centenary Jubilee celebration with the theme ‘faithful through the ages’ commenced at SBCK, Daklane, Kohima on November 8.
The speaker at the opening service was Rev Dr Khehovi A Shohe, Director, SBC. Speaking on the theme, Rev Dr Shohe emphasised the dependability of God, especially in a contemporary context where “distrust often exists even among friends and families.”
He encouraged the congregation to reflect on God's grace and faithfulness, reminding them they were blessed to witness the historic celebration. “Just as God blessed the Israelites through generations, the church too has been abundantly blessed throughout the century,” he said.
The church leader urged members not to forget God's goodness and to remain thankful in all circumstances. “Whatever we do and wherever we are, our hearts should carry a missionary spirit and then we will be blessed by God,” he stated.
Rev Dr Shohe noted that people often forget to express gratitude for God’s provisions and encouraged the congregation to remain thankful in all circumstances. “Whatever we do and wherever we are,” he said, “our hearts should carry a missionary spirit and then we will be blessed by God.”
Citing the example of evangelist Billy Graham, Rev Dr Shohe illustrated how God chooses ordinary people to fulfill His divine purposes.
He concluded by reminding the gathering to be deeply thankful for God's grace in enabling them and their families to be part of the blessed occasion, noting that many were unable to witness the Jubilee.
Y Kikheto Sema, Chairman of the Centenary Planning Board, recounted the remarkable journey of the Sumi Baptist Church in Kohima, highlighting its 100-year evolution during the church's Jubilee greetings.
Sema detailed the establishment and growth of the church, marking its historic Centenary milestone. He underscored the unwavering faith, dedication, and unity of its pioneers, who laid the foundation through prayer and sacrifice amidst the challenges of their era.
He stated that the Sumi Baptist Church has consistently been a church with a clear vision, deeply rooted in spirituality, and committed to promoting peace and advancing the mission of Christ.
Throughout the decades, Sema emphasized, the church has focused on nurturing believers, serving the community, and propagating a message of love and reconciliation.
Sema further urged the congregation to uphold this enduring legacy of faith. He encouraged them to remain a beacon of hope and spiritual strength for future generations, adhering to the core vision of “Spirituality, Peace, and Mission” that has steered the church through a century of divine faithfulness
Earlier, Rev Dr Khehovi A Shohe unveiled the Centenary Jubilee Monolith at the church premises, while Dr I Lozhevi Sema released the Jubilee Souvenir. To mark the Centenary celebration, Rev Dr Yehevi Jimo, Senior Pastor, TVBC, and Translator, unveiled the 2nd edition of the new revised Sumi Bible. Special songs were presented by Khedi Baptist Church, Kohima and the Centenary Jubilee Youth Choir.
The jubilee speakers include Rev Dr Khehovi A Shohe, Director, SBC; Rev Kughato K Chophi, Executive Secretary, SBAK Nito Mount; Rev Dr Daniel Chishi, Executive Secretary, SBAK Aizuto; and Khekavi K Yeptho, Pastor, SBCK.
Jubilee greetings will be shared by Rev Dr Mar Pongener, General Secretary, NBCC; Rev Devanand Kadariya, General Secretary, NBCC Nepal; and Hosheto Achumi, former Chairman, Board of Deacons, SBCK.
Brief History of Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima
As early as 1907, Sumi Christians held fellowship at the Kohima Mission Church, and in 1921, with permission from missionary J. E. Tanquist, they established their own congregation. In 1925, the Sumi Baptist Church was formally founded at Daklane, Kohima.
Initially, fellowship gatherings were held at the residence of Kiyeho, with Evangelist Zhapuzalie Angami serving as the first pastor. Later, Rev. G. W. Supplee, an American missionary, sought permission from the then Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, J. H. Hutton, for a suitable location to build a church. Consequently, the Daklane area was allotted, and the church was constructed in 1928.
During the British rule, the area was occupied by Dak carriers, and many Sumis served in that role for British officers. In 1928, the present site was officially given to the Sumi community for the church’s construction. Although no formal documents were issued, a metal token was presented as a symbolic authorization.
A budget of Rs 1,000 was allocated for the construction, with contributions coming not only from the Sumi community but also from the Ao, Lotha, Rengma, Garo, and believers from Upper Assam. The first church building was completed in 1932 and was named the Daklane Church.
During World War II, when the Japanese forces entered Kohima, many residents fled to their villages. After the war ended, they returned in 1944, and the damaged church was rebuilt the same year, marking the resumption of regular fellowship. The second church building was constructed in 1968, while the present structure was inaugurated in 2014.
