ESTABLISHMENT OF MUALTHUAM UPC

Prior to 1961, the United Pentecostal Church (UPC) had not been established in Mualthuam ‘N’ village. On Saturday, July 23, 1961, Rev. Saihnuna along with his fellow ministers—Pi Lalchhumi, Pi Ngaihthangi, Pi Lalthlamuani (Late), Pi Rothangi, and Pi Vanngengi (Late), all from Pukpui village—arrived in Mualthuam ‘N’. They stayed through Sunday, July 24, 1961; while they did not hold a morning service, they conducted an open-air service in the afternoon, though no baptisms took place that day.

On the morning of Monday, July 25, 1961, several individuals received baptism, officially establishing the U.P.C. Church in the village (as documented directly from Rev. Saihnuna's verbal account). Pu Taikawla served as the first Chairman. From that day onward, by God's grace, the Pentecostal Church has continuously flourished without interruption. At the present Venglai Church site, a church building was constructed with a tin roof (provided by the District), bamboo-mat walls, and wooden skirting, built to the best of their ability.

FORMATION OF MUALTHUAM ELECTRIC LOCAL

Although the U.P.C. Church building in Mualthuam ‘N’ had been built with dedication, its location was narrow and set close to private residences. The wooden skirting had deteriorated, allowing pigs and poultry to enter underneath. As plans for renovation were considered, the Building Board proposed to the Church Board that relocating to a less congested plot—safer from potential fire hazards—would be preferable.

Rather than making a solitary decision, the Church Board decided to consult the entire congregation on the first available Sunday morning immediately after the service. The congregation overwhelmingly supported the proposal to relocate the church.

Search for a new site began immediately. They approached Pu PC. Challiana to purchase a plot in his tea garden, which had been given to him by his father-in-law, Pu R. Zairema. He agreed to sell for Rs. 150/-. Upon final payment, he generously offered a Rs. 10/- discount, finalizing the purchase at Rs. 140/-. The Building Board leaders at that time were Pu Sapchhawna, Pu Kapthuama, Pu Sanglawta, Pu Vanthanga, Pu Thanhranga, Pu Dartlaia, Pu Darnghaka, and Pu Thanchhunga. The plot was acquired in 1977.

CHURCH CONSTRUCTION AND DEDICATION

With the site secured, members eagerly initiated site leveling. Over two consecutive nights under kerosene lamps and Petromax lights, community voluntary labor (hnatlang) completed the site preparation. Congregational members also harvested and sawed timber in rotating shifts without complaint.

On Sunday, July 9, 1978, the Local Church Board met under the leadership of Local Chairman Elder Vanngaia, resolving to gather all harvested timber on Monday, July 10, 1978, which saw widespread volunteer participation.

On September 5, 1978, a Board meeting at Elder P. Lalvuana’s home called for a joint session with the Building Board and P.Y.D. Committee. This joint meeting took place on September 7, 1978, chaired by Elder R. Laihnuna with Elder K. Lalvuana as Secretary. They officially resolved:

• Resolution 1 : Organize a church construction labor drive on Tuesday, September 12, 1978.
• Resolution 2 : Ensure assigned members deliver designated jointing timber ready for use by September 12, 1978.

On Tuesday, September 12, 1978, timber joints were prepared, and on Wednesday, September 13, 1978, the main church pillars were erected. September 13, 1978, is officially recognized as the foundation date of U.P.C. Electric Local.

EARLY CHURCH LEADERSHIP

• Total Membership : 175
• District Pastor : Rev. Hrangchhina
• Haulawng Section General Licence Holder : Evan. PC. Lalrosanga
• Elders : Elder R. Laihnuna, Elder R. Lalrema, Elder K. Lalvuana, Elder R. Thanzinga, Elder Lalluma, Elder P. Lalvuana
• Church Workers : Rbt. C. Thantluang, Rbt. C. Thanmawia, Rbt. Thangkima, Rbt. Zairingaia, Rbt. Sapchhawna

Main Local Executive Officers :

• Chairman : Elder Vanngaia / Elder R. Laihnuna (as of Sept 12, 1978)
• Vice Chairman : Elder R. Laihnuna
• Secretary : Elder K. Lalvuana
• Treasurer : Elder R. Laihnuna / Evan. PC. Rosanga (as of Sept 12, 1978)
• Local Pastor : Evan. PC. Rosanga

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

1. In 1978, spiritual and communal fellowship flourished. Christmas feast contributions were set at Rs. 4/- for members aged 12 and above, and Rs. 2/- for children under 11, resulting in a memorable celebration.
2. The church building featured a tin roof, wooden plank walls, corrugated iron skirting, and a second story. It boasted the only church benches with backrests in Mualthuam ‘N’, serving as a model structure within the district.
3. Local Pastor Evan. PC. Lalrosanga completed three years of training at Bible School in Shillong and was ordained as District Pastor for Thenhlum District on February 16, 1980.
4. On May 3, 1981, morning offertory collections were initiated on Sunday mornings, but following a review, the Board voted on July 5, 1981, to discontinue Sunday morning offerings.
5. The official church dedication was scheduled for March 21, 1982, with Rev. PR. Dawla officiating. Due to a schedule conflict with the District P.Y.D. Conference, the dedication was rescheduled and held on May 9, 1982.
6. Originally named U.P.C Vengthlang, the local requested a name change to Electric Local on August 8, 1982. The formal renaming was officially confirmed under Rev. PR. Dawla on January 24, 1983.
7. After relying on Petromax and kerosene lamps for years, members raised funds through individual contributions and labor drives, successfully installing grid electricity on January 10, 1983.

SUBSEQUENT CHURCH RECONSTRUCTIONS

The 1978 building served for many years. After severe storm damage in 1991 required temporary bracing, it was dismantled on May 2, 1994. A new building was constructed in four months and opened on July 23, 1994, under Chairman Elder K. Lalvuana with Elder R. Zairingaia preaching.

PERMANENT CONCRETE BUILDING

To replace the aging 1994 structure, a reinforced concrete church building measuring 60 ft in length, 28 ft in width, and 16 ft in height was commissioned. Demolition began on June 28, 2010, following prayer by Local Chairman Elder R. Zairingaia.

Rev. H. Rothuama laid the cornerstone on December 4, 2010, and pillar erection commenced on January 7, 2011. Construction spanned six years. The building temporarily hosted the Chhipphir District Conference on October 4, 2013, before final completion. Total project stats: 2,210 volunteer labor shifts, 210 organized labor drives, 27 external assistance shifts, and total expenditure of Rs. 19,92,915/-. A modern RCC Sunday School Hall has also been added and occupied.

PRESENT STATUS

Mualthuam Electric Local currently records 232 members (2025 report), including 3 Licence Holders, 5 Elders, 2 Senior Elders, and 5 Church Workers.

2025-2026 Local Leadership :

• Chairman : Elder R. Ramliana
• Vice Chairman : Rbt. Biakkunga
• Secretary : Evan Engzawna
• Asst. Secretary : Rbt R. Lalchhandama
• Treasurer : Elder K. Lalnunzira
• Fin. Secretary : Elder R. Lalthanliana
• Statistician : Elder K. Pazawna