The Tangkhul Baptist Churches celebrated the quasquicentennial anniversary under the theme “Darkness to Light” on 29 September 2025. Organised by Tangkhul Baptist Churches Association and hosted by Phungyo Baptist Church, Ukhrul, the first baptist Church in Manipur.
Special prayer and baptism was carried out at Ngayira -the first baptism site. Today at Ngayira, 21 believers were baptised by Rev. Dr. Mathotmi Vasha, Executive Secretary of Tangkhul Baptist Churches Association (TBCA).
Around 95 local churches participated in the celebration along with 20 Associations affiliated under Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC). Delegates from Nagaland and Imphal also took part in the celebration.
Rev. K. Losii Mao, General Secretary of Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) unveiled the monolith at TBCA Mission Compound.
The monolith inscription reads “All Glory and Honour to the God of Heavens and Earth who sent Light to us through the life of Rev. William Pettigrew, the first Missionary to Manipur.
The First Faithful Believers were baptized on the 29th September 1901 at Ngayira, Hunphun (Ukhrul), administered by Rev. William Pettigrew and established the First Church, “Phungyo Baptist Church, which is honored as the Mother Church of Manipur.”
The first Tangkhul who were baptized are:
1. Mr. Honlei Rumthao – Ukhrul
2. Mr. Sangmayung Kashung – Ukhrul
3. Mr. Ramkaiphang Samrar – Ukhrul
4. Mr. Leishisan Shaiza – Ukhrul
5. Mr. Maninglum Kasar – Ukhrul
6. Mr. S. Mangaleng – Ukhrul
7. Mr. A.S. Sakhayang – Ukhrul
8. Mr. K. Shangam – Ukhrul
9. Mr. Kaphungkhui Chiphang – Ukhrul
10. Mr. M. Haora – Humbum
11. Mr. K. Mashokring – Humbum
12. Mr. S.K. Thiksha – Humbum
The celebration acknowledged the sweat and tears of these faithful Pioneers, whose commitment laid the foundation of the Association..
LANDMARK EVENTS OF CHRISTIANITY IN TANGKHUL AREAS
Second Baptism:
Two boys were baptized on December 8, 1901 (Phungyo Baptist Church, Ukhrul)
Third Baptism:
April 05; 1903 (Phungyo Baptist Church Ukhrul)
1. Porom Singh (Manipuri/Meitei)
2. Ramkaipam (T. Naga)
The First Lord’s Supper in Manipur: On Sunday, 23 February 1902 at Phungyo Baptist Church, Ukhrul
The coming of the Gospel of Christ: Rev. William Pettigrew – 1896
The First Baptism in Manipur: 29th September 1901 (Ngayira, Hunphun)
The First Baptist Church in Manipur: Phungyo Baptist Church, Ukhrul
Formation of Manipur Christian Association (MCA): 1916 The First Association held at Phungyo Baptist Church, Ukhrul- 1917
Formation of Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) with three Associations: 1928
1. North East Baptist Association Manipur (NEBAM)
2. Sadar Area Baptist Churches Association (SABA)
3. North West Baptist Association (NWBA)
Formation of Four circles under NEBAM: 1928 (till 1959)
1. West Circle
2. North Circle
3. South Circle
4. East Circle
Formation of Four Associations under MBC: 1959
1. West Circle to Western Tangkhul Naga Baptist Association (WTNBA)
2. North Circle to Northern Tangkhul Naga Baptist Association (NTNBA)
3. South Circle to Southern Tangkhel Naga Baptist Association (STNBA)
4. East Circle to Eastern Tangkhul-Naga Baptist Association (ETNBA)
Formation of Tangkhul Naga Baptist Convention (TNBC): 1959 (a hody that catered the four Associations for Fellowship)
Formation of Tangkhul Baptist Long (TBL/TNBL):1983 (different four associations affiliated to MBC)
Formation of Tangkhul Baptist Long (TBL), affiliated to MBC: 1993
Former WTNBA, NTNBA, ETNBA withdrew affiliation from MBC and established TBL while STNBA maintained status quo with MBC)
Change of nomenclature, TBL to TBCA : 2002
Number of Churches and Fellowships under TBCA: 101
Baptized members under TBСА: 50,200
Celebration of Gospel Centenary: March 7-10, 1996
Celebration of Gospel Quasquicentennial: April 4-8, 2024
Celebration of Tangkhul Baptist Church Quasquicentennial: September 29,2025
PLANNING COMMITTEE for Tangkhul Baptist Church Quasquicentennial celebration are:
Chairman – Rev. Aping Khamrang, President, TBCA
Secretary – Rev. Collin Ramsan, Recording Secretary, TВСА
Members:
Rev. Dr. Mathotmi Vasha, Executive Secretary, TBCA
Rev. VA. Ayo, Finance Secretary, TBСА
Rev. Theophilus Zimik, Mission Secretary, TBCA
-Mr. Obed Vasha, Education Secretary, TBCA
-Mr. Homreishang Muinao, Youth Secretary, TBCA
Mrs. Tharmichon N. Rungsung, Wornen Secretary, TBCA
Rev. Dr. Soprang Machiri, Vice President, TBCA
Rev. Zaklei Kaping, Pastor, Phungyo Baptist Church
Rev. Ps. Sword, Pastor, Hungpung Baptist Church
