Nagaland Sumi Baptist Church Kohima begins centenary jubilee celebration

The Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima (SBCK), commenced its two-day Centenary Jubilee celebration today at the church premises under the theme Faithful through the ages’ to mark a hundred years of spiritual growth, community service, and enduring faith.
A press release by SBAK Centenary Jubilee Media Cell stated that the morning session featured Rev. Dr. Khehovi A. Shohe, director of the Sumi Baptist Convention, as the guest speaker, who thanked the church for its contribution to the publication of the new Sumi Naga Bible (Re-edited 2025 version), describing it as a meaningful milestone in the church’s centenary journey.
He emphasized God’s unwavering faithfulness through generations, while also reflecting on the challenges faced by modern Christians who often struggle with doubt and the erosion of core faith values.
He noted that while many have passed on, those still living have been given a purpose by God. He encouraged everyone to reflect on why God continues to keep them and to respond by living a life of deep commitment and faithful Christian service.
Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, chairman of the Centenary Planning Board and former chairman of the board of deacons, delivered the jubilee greetings and welcomed believers on behalf of the centenary planning board, while thanking Almighty God for this historic celebration.
Sema traced the origins of the church, explaining that during the British administration, the land was divided into three zones—Kohima Elakha, Mokokchung Elakha, and Tuensang-NEFA. The Sümi, being centrally located, spread across these divisions.
He said that Christianity among the Sümi first took root in the Kohima Elakha, with the earliest believers joining the Baptist Mission Church in 1907. In 1921, they received permission from Rev. J. E. Tanquist to form a separate fellowship.
The present church site was allotted in 1925 by Dr. J. H. Hutton, the then Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, and construction of the first church building began under the supervision of Evangelist Zaphuzalie Angami of Kohima T. Khel, completing in 1928.
Rev. Zaphuzalie Angami became the church’s first pastor, conducting services in Sümi, Nagamese, and Tenyidie—languages understood by the congregation at the time he said.
Sema noted that the church is one of the oldest in Kohima Town, next to Baptist Mission Church and Kedi Baptist Church, and that its doors were always open to believers from other tribes such as Rengma, Lotha, Ao, and Angami.
He informed that this year-long centenary celebration, involving over 100 former and current leaders, reflects a century of unity and devotion. He further blessed the congregation with hopes to witness the 125th Jubilee in 2050.
The 100 Years Centenary Jubilee publication was officially released by Dr. I. Lozhevi Sema, former assistant pastor, SBCK. Earlier, Rev. Dr. Khehovi A. Shohe unveiled the 100 Years Centenary Jubilee monolith. The centenary senior choir, led by James S. Swu, rendered a special performance during the opening ceremony, chaired by Pastor Khekavi K. Yeptho.
The morning session was chaired by Kashito S. Aye, associate pastor (F) and planning secretary, while Rev. Dr. Yehevi Jimo, Senior Pastor, TVBC, and translator, released the Sumi Naga Bible (Re-edited 2025 version).
Rev. Dr. Daniel Chishi, executive secretary of SBAK, Aizuto, delivered the sermon at the evening session, which was chaired by Associate Pastor (W) Kuholi Chishi. Former Chairman of the Board of Deacons, Hotoshe Achumi, also delivered a jubilee greeting during the service.