HISTORY OF PUKPUI LOCAL

Around 1954, the spiritual revival movement spreading from the north reached Pukpui, and many who desired the revival joined in. As there was no place of worship other than the Baptist Church, they eagerly longed to worship and praise God in the church building. However, during those times, let alone dancing, hand-clapping, reciting song lyrics, or repeating songs were strictly forbidden. It is said that those who were particularly enthusiastic would clap and wave their hands discreetly under their shawls. Yet, filled with joy, people gradually began clapping and reciting song verses. Once, on Good Friday during a worship service at the Baptist Church, Pu Sapnghaka and his companions brought a hidden drum (khuang). While singing the hymn ‘Thu mak ka sawi nin theih loh chu, Kalvari chanchin a ni’ (The wonderful story of Calvary), despite knowing that repeating verses was prohibited, the revived believers stepped out from the back rows right as the song finished and insisted on repeating it in a traditional revival tune (lengkhawm thluk). The service leader immediately closed the service with a prayer, and they were escorted out of the church building. After the service, a heated argument broke out in the church courtyard. Despite having just finished worship, those who felt bold enough began raising their fists at each other; however, they managed to resolve it without any major conflict breaking out. From then on, they could no longer worship together. Facing such times, with church leaders and the general public aligned against them, those who stood firm for the spirit of revival did not feel ashamed before those who mocked them as having a 'demonic spirit'. Their ability to march forward holding firm faith in God made them precious and honorable, chosen by God.

Efforts Toward Establishing the Church: As time went on, the revival dancing moved many hearts, and God's Holy Spirit continued to touch people's minds. Consequently, remaining together in a single (Baptist) church was no longer feasible. From 1958 onwards, those who desired revival began meeting separately at the residence of Pu K. Biakkunga. Separate worship services were conducted peacefully and contentedly. The UPC had not yet been established at the time, so the distinction was simply between the "revived" and "non-revived" (Baptist) groups. P. Lalbuka, a Baptist Youth leader and choir leader, jokingly remarked, "Being called the non-revived group makes our status seem a bit lower," which seemed quite fitting for that era. Without an official organization name, they were often referred to as the 'Hlim sang pawl' (High Joy revival group). Like the early Church established on Pentecost when the Spirit arrived, they spent joy-filled time united in one mind and heart, speaking in tongues as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance. Visitors from other places began coming as well. They emphasized prayer, and because they frequently used the phrase 'Lalpa' (Lord), they were also mockingly referred to as 'Pa pawl'.

The Establishment of the Church (UPC): Because God recognized them, they did not fade away but kept growing. In 1959, sent by God, UPC Pastor Zahlira arrived and spent time fellowshiping with the revival group. They discussed God's Word, the Godhead of Jesus, Baptism in the name of Jesus, the joy of the Spirit, and various spiritual gifts. Pastor Zahlira shared that the UPC Church existed in Mizoram to protect the children of the Spirit. The revival group unanimously agreed that joining the UPC Church was better than remaining unaffiliated. Thus, the first Baptism in the name of Jesus took place, with 10 people receiving Baptism at the hands of Pastor Zahlira, namely:
1. Pu P. Hranghlira 2. Pu K. Biakkunga 3. Pu Hrangkhuma
4. Pu Reia 5. Pu Chalhlinga 6. Pu Rualchhinga
7. Pi Vanthangpuii 8. Pi Siakengi 9. Pi Darhliri
10. Pi Liani.

On September 9, 1959, Pastor Zahlira formally organized the church, and the United Pentecostal Church (UPC) was officially established in Pukpui.

Early Leaders:
1. Elder K. Biakkunga 2. Elder P. Hranghlira 3. Elder Chalngura
4. Elder Zathianga 5. Elder Haukhama

Church Workers:
1. Biakchhunga 2. Sapnghaka 3. Biakliana 4. Biakkima 5. R. Darhmingthanga

Church Board Members:
1. Pu Chhuna 2. Pu Reia 3. CZ. Rawngbawla 4. C. Saikhenga 5. Taibawnga 6. Pahlira 7. J. Thansanga

Until acquiring a church building, they held services at the house of Elder K. Biakkunga. Membership grew rapidly, reaching nearly 300 members by the following year, 1960.

Dispersal of Pukpui Village: As Pukpui was a military post site, it suffered most severely during the 1966 insurgency period. The Indian military burned down all houses in Pukpui. The village of Pukpui relocated to the current BSF area side for exactly two years from 1967 to 1968. A church was rebuilt at Zotui (at the entrance of Pukpui village) using wooden posts and old burnt tin sheets, and they continued to worship with great joy.

On Sunday morning, January 19, 1969, during the service, the military gathered all the villagers in the center of the village. Twenty-eight families were transported to Zobawk, and the next day, January 20, 1969, the remaining villagers dismantled their houses and scattered across various villages. Due to the insurgency, the name Pukpui UPC was silent for four years from 1969 to 1972. However, holding strong faith that Pukpui village would be re-inhabited, the Pukpui UPC Committee remained active and held committee meetings whenever convenient.

After the insurgency quieted down, the new Pukpui village site was re-occupied on October 19, 1972. In 1973, a small group immediately re-established the Church, starting with 90 members, which quickly grew to 224 members by the following year, 1974. Prior to constructing a church building, they worshiped at the home of Pi Darhliri.
The church leaders in 1973-1974 were:
Chairman : Evan. K. Biakkunga
Secretary : Pu. Ronghaka
Treasurer : Pu. R. Lalthuama
PRZ Treasurer : Pu. R. Lalthuama
Vice Chairman : Pu T. Lalsanga
Asst Secretary : Pu C. Lalkima
Church Workers : Pu CZ. Rawngbawla, Pu K. Biakchhunga, Pu R. Lawmzuala, Pi Danziri.

Development and Construction of the Church Building: Construction of the Church at Old Pukpui Site:
Shortly after its inception, membership reached nearly 300. The present old Pukpui site UPC church land was allotted for the church building. A small temporary hut was built using wooden posts, which was completed quickly. In 1961, timber was procured, groups were formed, and a timber-framed building was promptly constructed. In 1962, a building measuring 40 ft by 25 ft was erected. Missionary EL. Scism visited Pukpui from the USA and donated funds for corrugated iron roofing sheets, resulting in a tin-roofed church building. (The church site in old Pukpui is located below the Centenary Monument, at the broad road bend where the Eucalyptus tree ridge ends).

Construction of the Church in New Pukpui Village:
1. In 1975, a church was constructed using wooden posts, bamboo mat walls, and thatch roofing, which was inaugurated on Sunday, April 13, 1975, by Section Pastor Rev. H. Chalchhunga.
2. In 1976-1977, a building measuring 40 ft x 25 ft was constructed with timber framework and tile walls, inaugurated by Section Pastor Rev. H. Chalchhunga on June 26, 1977.
3. Starting in September 1994, a concrete building measuring 70 ft x 36 ft was initiated. Due to inferior cement quality, repairs were conducted, and construction was completed in 2008, inaugurated by District Superintendent Rev. R. Lalrosanga. Around 2014, a 12 ft extension was added to the rear. The current dimensions of the church building are 82 ft x 36 ft.
4. From 2020 onwards, a Building Committee was established for constructing a new church building, offerings were raised, and progress continued. The newly constructed RCC church building is now occupied.

The foundation stone for the church building was laid by Rev. C. Darkhuma on November 8, 2022. Approximately 180 Lakhs rupees was spent on the church construction. The church building was officially inaugurated on November 8, 2025, by Section Pastor Rev. H. Rothuama, accompanied by a grand celebratory feast. The total dimensions of the church building are 86 feet in length and 53 feet in width.

Present Status: Pukpui Local currently has 821 members (2025 report). There are 11 Elders, 6 License Holders, 3 Sr. Elders, and 9 Church Workers. There are also 188 LAD members, 256 PYD members, 174 PCD members, and 94 PMD members.

Church Leaders for 2025-2026: Chairman : Rev. PC. Nghakliana
Vice Chairman : Elder PC. Lalduhthlanga
Secretary : C.W. C. Lalrosanga
Asst. Secretary : Elder R. Zoramchhana
Treasurer : Elder T. Lalzidinga
Statistician : C.W. P. Samson Vanlalfela