Nagaland: Phiro Baptist Church celebrates 100 years

Phiro Baptist Church (PBC) marked a historic milestone with the celebration of its Centenary, commemorating 100 years of Christianity, faith, unity, and spiritual growth in the village. The event reflected on the church’s century-long journey while reaffirming the community’s commitment to Christian values, harmony, and service to society.
According to a DIPR report, the celebrations were held at the Jubilee Ground, Wozhubanka, Phiro Village, from January 8–9 under the theme “KumaliPotsow ji Pfutssontoka” (Glorify the Eternal God).
The Jubilee featured prominent speakers including director, ILC, BMS World Mission, Dr. Kethoser Kevichusa, former pastor, LBC Dimapur, Rev.Zanao Mozhui, and former principal, Eastern Theological College Jorhat, Assam, Rev.Dr.Ezamo Murry. The speakers exhorted the congregation to re-dedicate their lives to God and encouraged continued faithfulness and devotion.
Extending his Jubilee greetings, advisor Mhathung Yanthan congratulated the villagers on reaching this historic milestone. He shared memories of his late father, Rev. Ashemo Yanthan, who served as a teacher at Phiro Government School for 14 years and had a close bond with the community.
In remembrance, Yanthan’s family contributed financially to the village outreach fund.
Y. Mhonbemo Humstoe, MLA, praised the villagers for maintaining strong ties with neighboring communities, including the Rengma villages of Nerhema and Zhadima. He urged continued unity and support among communities.
Humstoe also announced that he had informed the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, about the need to blacktop the stretch of road from Phiro junction to Wozhuro, which has been approved and will be executed in commemoration of the Centenary Jubilee.
Senior pastor, Kohima Lotha Baptist Church, Rev. Dr.K.Benry Lotha, led a solemn prayer in remembrance of the departed souls of Phiro village, while missionary international O.C Bhutan and N.E India, Rev.J.Thungjamo Lotha, invoked God’s blessings. Pastor, PBC, Rev.Thungjanshio Odyuo, offered a special prayer for the daughters of Phiro village, who are married into other villages seeking God’s protection, grace and blessings upon their families.
The Jubilee monolith was unveiled by the pastor PBC, Rev.ThungjanshioOdyuo while dedication of the Jubilee service hall was done by pastor, Okotso Baptist church, Rev. O.Yibomo Ngullie.
Besides the Jubilee Choir, the celebration also featured choir performances by Tesophenyu, Nerhema and Zhadima choirs who glorified God through their renditions.
Thousands of native villagers, in- laws and well wishers from neighbouring villages attended the PBC centennial Jubilee celebration. The momentous occasion concluded by releasing 100 blessed lanterns marking the significant milestone of Phiro Baptist Church.