HISTORY OF ZOTLANG LOCAL

Establishment of the Church: On November 17, 1963, four individuals—Taimanga and family, Thangmawia and family, H. Lalsawma and family, and Pi Thansiami—were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. In December of the same year, about 20 more members joined. There was no formal church organization yet. Pu H. Lalsawma served as their recognized leader for the time being.

Gradually, membership increased, and on May 3, 1964, Pastor Hrangmawia conducted the first formal organization of the church. The appointed leaders were:

1. Elder C. Lalluta 2. Elder H. Lalsawma 3. Elder PC. Lalkunga

These leaders served for a considerable time as membership continued to grow. By 1968, membership reached 94. District Pastor J. Laltluanga reorganized the church with the following leaders:

Chairman : Elder C. Lalluta
Secretary : Elder LH. Sanghluna (concurrently serving as PYD President)
Treasurer : Elder H. Lalsawma

Acquisition of the Church Building: In 1967, having no church building yet, services were held at the homes of leaders. In 1957, due to civil disturbance, several people from Pukpui settled at Zotui (between Pukpui and Zotlang), forming a sizeable fellowship and subsequently establishing a church building.

The church building has been constructed 5 times in total. The first church building was situated near the hilltop (near the present Tourist Lodge). During the civil disturbance, it was occupied by security forces and was destroyed.

1. The second church building was rebuilt using bamboo matting. A severe storm destroyed it.
2. The third church building was built as an Assam-type structure. After some time, the congregation outgrew it, and steps were taken for a new building.
3. The fourth church building was initiated in 1987, measuring 48 by 24 feet.
4. The fifth church building: Work began in 2005, measuring 73 by 34 feet. On Saturday, May 10, 2008, Building Board Secretary Evan. C. Lallawmsiama presided over the service while Building Board Chairman Evan. C. Laltluanga conducted the solemn ceremony, following which construction work commenced immediately. On that day, 48 members participated in voluntary labor. As time progressed, Section Pastor Rev. PC. Nghakliana inaugurated the building on December 18, 2018. In the evening, a grand feast was hosted to celebrate the new church building.

Ministers / License Holders Produced: Ministers and License Holders produced from Zotlang Local are:
1. Rev C. Darnghaka
2. Rev H. Lalthanzama
3. Rev RK. Khiangte
4. Rev C. Lalhriatpuia
5. Pastor R. Lalengzauva
6. Pastor Lallawmsanga
7. Pastor F. Lalsanglura
8. Evan R. Pathima
9. Evan J. Lalchhuanawma
10. Evan C. Laltluanga
11. Evan C. Lawmsiama

Present Status: Zotlang Local currently has 342 members (2025 report). At present, there are 5 Elders, 6 Church Workers, and 1 License Holder. They possess a beautiful and well-maintained church building, along with a fine Sunday School Hall and Committee Room beside the main church building.

Leaders for 2025-2026: Chairman : Elder R. Lalhmelmawia
Vice Chairman : Elder C. Lalzawnthanga
Secretary : Elder Lalrinsanga
Asst. Secretary : C.W. Hmingthanmawia
Treasurer : Elder F. Lalkungpuia
Statistician : Evan C. Lallawmsiama