INITIATIVES FOR CHURCH FORMATION

Chhipphir is a pleasant rural village consisting of about 350 households, geographically centrally located between north and south, east and west—approximately 29 km from Thenzawl and 36 km from Haulawng. In 1961, Pu Saithanchhunga conducted gospel ministry here with notable success. During this period, no other denomination existed in the village besides the Baptist Church of Mizoram. At that time, the United Pentecostal Church (UPC) faced considerable social contempt, often disparagingly referred to as "Papawl." In the summer of 1962, Pastor Chuauruma visited Chhipphir for ministry. Amid public disdain, Pu Thangkhuma and Pu Thangbawnga were the first to receive baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, followed by others, bringing the initial membership to ten.

Pu Thangkhuma and Pu Thangbawnga were appointed as the first leaders, and on May 11, 1962, the United Pentecostal Church was officially established in Chhipphir. The inaugural leadership and members were as follows:

May 11, 1962 :

• Elder Thangkhuma
• Elder Thangbawnga
• Members : PC Thangzawna, PC Lianhmingthanga, Chalkhara, Dohliri, Thansangi, Hrangkhumi, Hlunngenga, RK Sailana, Ngurchhawni

January 20, 1965 :

• Chairman : Elder Thangkhuma
• Secretary & Treasurer : RK. Sailiana
• License Holders : PC. Doliana, PC Kapsanga, R Lalrinmawia

CHURCH BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

In 1964, timber posts were prepared, and a church was constructed with earthen walls and a thatched roof; however, it was burned down by military forces. Unable to rebuild on the original site immediately, a temporary bamboo structure was erected uphill from Elder R. Sawithuama's front yard. After gathering there for some time, an Assam-type structure was built on the plateau of Bellei Tlang (a former military camp area), which was subsequently occupied by the 18th Assam Rifles. Consequently, the congregation relocated back to its original 1964 site and rebuilt the church.

In 1990, an Assam-type church building was constructed in the hospital Veng section. Regrettably, a severe cyclone destroyed the building in 1991, but it was promptly reconstructed. In 2010, a new RCC church building was erected, measuring 60 ft in length and 30 ft in width. The structure features 4 windows facing the main road, 11 windows on the south side, 11 on the north side, 8 windows on each side above the center beam, and 5 windows above the gallery. Built with a corrugated iron roof and a baptismal tank, the congregation continues to worship in this facility by God's grace.

In March 1984, Chhipphir Section was bifurcated from Haulawng Section, with Pastor F. Aihrima serving as the first Section Pastor. In 1986, a well-built Assam-type Pastor Quarters complete with necessary furnishings and a water tank was constructed. Church membership stood at approximately 208 around this time. Later, a modern RCC Pastor Quarters was built:

• Construction Started : June 1, 2005
• Length : 40 feet
• Width : 21 feet
• Voluntary Labor Days : 673
• Date Occupied : March 22, 2006

By God's grace, the Pastor Quarters continues to serve as the pastor's official residence to this day.

FORMER CHURCH LEADERS (1966-1969)

• Chairman : Elder Thangzawna
• Secretary : R Hmingliana
• Treasurer : PC Zaliana

FIRST DEPARTMENT OFFICERS

1. Pentecostal Youth Department (PYD) (Formed Feb 12, 1981) :

1981-1982 Officers :

• President : Lianhmingthanga
• Secretary : Evan R Lalrinmawia
• Treasurer : Evan. R Lalrinmawia

2. Ladies Auxiliary Department (LAD) (Formed Feb 27, 1971) :

1971-1974 Officers :

• President : Dohliri
• Secretary : Thansangi
• Treasurer : Ngurchhawni

3. Missions Department (Formed 1987) :

1987-1988 Officers :

• Director : Elder PC. Zaliana
• Secretary/Treasurer : PC. Zosiamliana

4. Sunday School (Formed 1985-1986) :

First Officers :

• Superintendent : Elder PC Zaliana
• Secretary/Treasurer : Elder PC Zahlira
• Fin. Secretary : PC Zosiamliana

5. PCD (Formed 1987) :

1987-1988 Officers :

• President : Vanlalchhawna
• Secretary : Lalbiakchhuangi
• Treasurer : Lalchawiliani
• Sr. Adviser : Lalrinchhana

NOTABLE CHURCH HIGHLIGHTS

• The present church building is an RCC structure measuring 60 feet in length and 30 feet in width, with roofing materials provided by the District.
• The Missions Department consistently fulfills its annual District financial target.
• The local currently records 196 total church members (94 male and 102 female).
• There are 38 total households in the local church, with 1 family residing outside the village.
• A total of 135 members have received water baptism, 8 newly baptized members, bringing the total water-baptized believers to 143.
• 78 members have received the Spirit baptism (Holy Ghost baptism).

PRESENT STATUS

Chhipphir Local currently has 196 members (2025 report), with 4 active Ordained Elders and 4 active Church Workers.

Active Elders :

• (1) Elder R. Lalrinliana
• (2) Elder PC. Kapsanga
• (3) Elder R. Zahlira
• (4) Elder C. Vanlalruatdika

Active Church Workers :

• (1) H. Rinthianghlima
• (2) T. Lalromawia
• (3) R. Lalmuankima
• (4) Nl PC. Lalhriatkimi