S. Vanlaiphai village :

S. Vanlaiphai village is situated in Hnahthial District, about 98 Km away from Lunglei towards eastern Mizoram.

Initiatives to establish the UPC Church :

In 1962, Rualzakhuma, who moved into S. Vanlaiphai in 196-, along with the family of Pu Tawnliana Khawlhring (Shopkeeper) who also moved in, established the UPC Church, holding their very first separate service on 20.12.1962. Lacking a church building, they simply worshiped at Pu Rualzakhuma's house. As time went on, the family of Pu F. Vanzika, Pu K. Lianhuaia and his wife, and the family of Pu Budena joined them as well.

When the church was first established, there were only about 10 members. Without any other separate leaders, Pu Rualzakhuma and Pu Tawnliana served as the sole leaders for the time being. As time passed, the first formal re-organization of the Church according to standard rules was conducted on 22nd September 1977 by Section Pastor, Rev. Ralianga.

Early Leaders :

The leaders appointed when the Church was organized in 1977 were as follows :

Regarding the Church Site :

Past status of the Church building :

In 1969, they eventually built a church building of their own. Holding no grievances against other churches, they fellowshiped together joyfully and held community work drives together. Those who led the discussions and arrangements were Pu Rualzakhuma, Pu Tawnliana, and Pu F. Lalenga.

Past Evangelists (Home missionaries) stationed :

Due to the small number of members in S. Vanlaiphai, before it was used as a Section Centre, Evangelists/Home Missionaries were continuously posted there; the following lists those who served previously:

These Evangelists served with great love for the Church, staying very busy with church and quarters construction, necessary repairs during their respective tenures, physical labor, and soul-winning efforts.

Progress of Church building construction :

In 1969, the first church building of S. Vanlaiphai UPC Church was constructed, and later around 1973, it became necessary to rebuild it, so it was sold (as the church building needed rebuilding, it was sold to Evan. Tawnliana for Rs. 40 (forty)). As the church would need a meeting place, he would use it for extension, and as noted in the 1973 minute book: 'Since the church congregation will also use it for services and gatherings until a new church building is constructed, we are giving it for Rs. 40/-'. Thus, they prepared to build the church, gathering building materials—planking timber through community work drives, and erected the church building once again. As time passed, Evangelists were stationed from Lunglei District, and around 1988-89, this church was rebuilt again, measuring 30 feet in length and 18 feet in width, and the District covered the roof with corrugated iron sheets. As more time passed, the church building deteriorated again and began to lean slightly. Around 1992-1994, the leaning church building was straightened and renovated, its walls were replaced with wooden planks, and it was established as a proper Assam-type structure.

Furthermore, in 1997-2000, it was decided to build an Evangelist Quarters within the Church Compound; during this time, shortly before completing the Quarters, they faced difficulties from village leaders, causing the Quarters work to pause and experience frequent disruptions. In 2001-2007, the Quarters construction was completed, areas of the church requiring repair were renovated, and tile was used for its walls. Over time, under the leadership of whichever Evangelist was stationed, work to repair and extend the church building and Quarters was carried out continuously.

Construction of the Current Church building :

In 2015, S. Vanlaiphai was designated as a Section Centre, and Section Pastor Jerry Lalmuanawma resided on-site, whereupon the currently occupied church building was constructed. This church building measures 45 feet in length and 21 feet in width; on 10 January 2018, its foundation stone was laid by Rev. R. Lalrosanga, District Superintendent. Lacking ready funds, appeals were made in urban locals of Lunglei College veng and Hrangchalkawn. During construction, Theiriat Section Missions Department conducted a week-long Work Camp to build it, with local members as well as church members across the Section assisting greatly. A grant of Rs. 2,30,000 was also received from the District, and on 10 January 2019, Rev. R. Lalrosanga, District Superintendent, Lunglei District, inaugurated it, accompanied by a Section-wide feast.

Notable events in the Church worth recording :

1. Around the time the church was established in 1973, there were about 46 members.
2. In 1978, a Church Seal was made for Rs. 6/- (by borrowing money from Pu Vanzika).
3. In 1989, the Church Bell was obtained from Thingsai.

Current status :

At the time of preparing this report (2025), there are currently 33 members.