Our Correspondent
Molungkimong | February 11
Addressing during the public meeting at Molungkimong local ground on February 9, parliamentary secretary Tourism, Law & Justice Yitachu said declaration of pilgrimage village alone will not bring changes and said if the stakeholders (Churches) are not involved, pilgrimage activities will be incomplete.
Reiterating its stand that there is no dispute against the history, the parliamentary secretary also put across suggestions to the villagers after visiting the documents preserved in the village, to make the baptistery pond (a pond for baptism) as travelers and pilgrimage part takers may want to experience the same where Dr. Clark Baptized 15 converts in 1872.
He opined the ‘first Gospel gate into the head hunters’ paradise’ (now renamed as Rev. Dr. E.W Clark’s Gate), to turn into a sacred place so that pilgrim part takers can come and Worship and also suggested to extend the First Baptism Chapel hall, separating the library hall creating enough space for the believers to worship God.
Pastor Molungkimong Baptist Church, Moaliba, said after the arrival of Dr, E.W. Clark, 1872, (Christianity) in Molungkimong Village, Molungkimong Baptist church was established, however, after 4 years, ‘church administration was not strong’, yet acceptance of Christianity continued and witnessed existence of believers and likewise ABAM and NBCC has celebrated the 125 anniversary in 1997. The pastor said, through the documentary preserved in the village, there should not be any confusion in future.
The Molungkimong village council also highlighted the arrival of Christianity in the village and how Dr. Clark was brought into the village by village warriors and also acknowledged the visit of the parliamentary secretary and department officials for giving priority to the village.
Mrs Sentikumla, village council members and others led the parliamentary secretary and his entourage to the first Baptistery in Naga Soil, (the baptistery pond), the Rev. E.W Clark Gate (first gospel gate into the headhunters’ Paradise), the First Chapel (the first Lord’s Supper administered by Dr. Clark) and the Dr. Clark Monument hall.
