PBC, first Church of Manipur celebrates 117th foundation day
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, September 29 2017:
The first Church of Manipur, Phungyo Baptist Church (PBC) today celebrated 117 years of Christianity as Church Foundation day.
The PBC also commemorated the day in honour of 12 Tangkhuls who were first converted to Christianity and baptised by Revd William Pettigrew at Ngayira Awungtang, Ukhrul .
95 years old PBC member Seikhap Luikham, who is presently working as a home evangelist hoisted the 117th foundation day flag at Tangrei PBC Church compound .
The president of Tangkhul Baptist Churches Association (TBCA) Revd Jonah M Solo while addressing the Church foundation day said that September 29 is not only significant for PBC members but for all the Tangkhuls as from this day Christianity set foot amongst the Tangkhul community .
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He also gave a brief account of how Revd William Pettigrew came to Manipur in 1890, how he came to Ukhrul in 1896 when head hunting amongst the Tangkhul was practised .
"One forefather, Rashing who was the headman of Hunphun village, narrated his vision and foretold the coming of western missionary to our region," recounted Jonah M Solo .
After four generations Revd William Pettigrew set foot at Ukhrul during the the reign of Raihao as the headman of Hunphun village, he added .
Due to the relentless efforts and hard work, twelve Tangkhuls were baptised at Ngariya Rakhong (pond) by William Pettigrew in 1901, he said .
The first converts were Hollei Rumthao, Sangmayang Kashung, Ramkaiphang Samrar, Leishisan Shaiza, Maninglum Kashung, Mangaleng Shaiza, Sakhayang Awungashi Shimray, Shangam Kasar, Kaphungkui Chiphang, Haora Mahongnao, Mashokring Kasomhung and Thiksha Shokchui Kapai .
Phungyo, a term derived from “Beautiful Hill” was given by Revd William Pettigrew,
The foundation day saw lively musical performances from choirs and individuals
Headman in-charge HA Haoreingam, Church leaders from Ukhrul town, Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), Hunphun Shanao Long (HSL) and PBC members attended the foundation day.