Makokching Baptist Church centenary motivates Christian community

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI Dec 29

Makokching Baptist Church under Kom Rem Baptist Churches Association commemorated its 100 years of existence under the theme ‘Chosen to bear fruits in faith’, based on Gospel John 15:16 at Makokching village in Saikul sub-division, Kangpokpi district.

The two days long Makokching Baptist Church centenary celebration concluded today with a high note with thousands of participants from different places across the state. The release of centenary souvenir with gospel message from the general secretary, CBCNEI, Solomon Rongpi marked the momentous occasion.

The concluding day was attended by general secretary, MBC, Rev. W. Konghar, general secretary, CBCNEI, Rev. Solomon Rongpi and executive secretary, KRBCA, Rev. Solomon Leivon attended as centenary speakers while local MLA Yamthong Haokip, vice-chairman of ADC Sadar Hills, Thangkam Leivon, councillor of ADC Sadar Hills, Thongjalun Mate, High Court judge, Songboi Serto, IG (LO/AP), Kailun Lupheng and director of Core Committee of the Centenary (CCC), Rev. L. Ahmun attended as special guests.

The centenary celebration was kicked off yesterday with gift presentation to the daughters of the Makokching villages who were married in other places and in the village. A 12 feet tall monolith was erected to commemorate the centenary celebration and it was unveiled by Solomon Rongpi. The inaugural ceremony was marked with centenary flag hosting, torch rally, lighting of evangelisation (centenary flame), striking the church bell 100 times, releasing of 100 lantern balloons and marching with light towards the centenary hall.

Interestingly, Somdal Baptist Church from Ukhrul also attended the centenary celebration of Makokching Baptist Church and also presented an enthralling gospel song on the occasion. Around 20 members of Manipur Adventure and Mountain Biking Association cycled all the way from the state capital Imphal and joined the centenary celebration.

Education and Youth secretary of MBC, Rev. Boipu Serto released the centenary souvenir flanked by other reverends, pastors and church leaders.

In his gospel message, Solomon Rongpi said that Makokching Baptist Church is one of the fruits of the first christian missionary in Manipur, William Pettigrew. He further exhorted the thousands of audiences to bear fruits in faith through biding with God and His love.

CCC expressed heartiest gratitude to all participants across the state in making the 100 years celebration of Makokching Baptist Church a grand success and conveyed their sincere happiness to all the speakers, dignitaries and others for their presence and making the celebration significantly memorable. 

It may be mentioned that Makokching Baptist Church was founded in the year 1917 under the leadership of the first convert of Makokching village, Longkhobel Karong and Simkhopao Haokip to become the fifth church to be founded in Manipur and the second among the Kom tribe. The duo was also honoured during the momentous celebration.