Phungyo Baptist Church commemorates 123rd foundation day
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, September 29 2023: Rev Zaklei Kaping, Pastor, Phungyo Baptist Church (PBC) Tangrei, Ukhrul has asserted that the Hunphun village dialect has united all Tangkhul villages to speak one common language.

The pastor made the remark during the 123rd foundation day of PBC.

The commemoration programme began with a prayer at Ngayira where the first twelve Tangkhul boys were baptized and converted to Christianity on September 29, 1901 .

This was followed by PBC flag hoisting ceremony at the Church premises by senior member Tharawon Raleng, former women chairperson.

Phungyo Baptist Church commemorates 123rd foundation day

In his welcome speech, Rev Zaklei highlighted the transformation of their society with the introduction of western education to the people.

Before the advent of Western missionary William Pettigrew in Ukhrul, Tangkhul villages spoke different dialects but after his arrival, the Hunphun village dialect was adopted as the Tangkhul language and this has enabled people to communicate in one common language, said Rev Zaklei.

Elucidating the history of Phungyo Baptist Church, Ukhrul, Rev Zaklei said that William Pettigrew came to Ukhrul and set up a school in a shed but he could not get a single boy admitted.

After a lapse of one year, the villagers agreed to send 20 boys to the school, provided the headman of Ukhrul would lead them.

After 6 years of hard work, it was on September 29 of 1901 that 12 Tangkhul boys were baptized by the Rev W Pettigrew at Ngayira Awungtang, Ukhrul, said Rev Zaklei.

During the event Rev Mingyao Zimik invoked a special blessing and thanksgiving for the Church while Rev Dr Khalangpam Vashum, Director, Trinity Missionary Training Centre, Imphal presented an exposition under the theme "The Great Commission - Our obligation" .

The day witnessed a myriad of musicals displayed by PBC Choir, Gahar Long PBC and children worship team.

It might be mentioned that Phungyo Baptist Church is the oldest church in Manipur having over 3500 congregations including associate members established at Tangrei, Ukhrul.