ABOUT S. PHAILENG VILLAGE

S. Phaileng village was established in the year 1974. It is a relatively young village. During the insurgency era when villages were regrouped, the village of Hnahchang was grouped together at Pangzawl. After residing in Pangzawl for some time, when the government issued an order granting permission to return to their respective native areas, the elders of Hnahchang proposed relocating down to Lalbuanga. In full agreement, they descended to the location of Lalbuanga. Among them were several individuals who had already joined the UPC prior to the insurgency during their time in Hnahchang; while residing at Lalbuanga, these believers gathered for worship services at the home of Pu Saipianga. At that time, Pu Saipianga and his household belonged to the Baptist Church.

After spending some time at Lalbuanga, a show-of-hands vote was conducted between those wishing to return to Hnahchang and those favoring the present location called ‘Lungno’, and the majority voted in favor of settling at the current site. Thus, in 1974, they moved across to occupy this village location. Historically, this location was once under the chieftainship of Lalsangliana, and even during that period, it was commonly referred to as Phaileng. According to popular knowledge regarding the origin of the name Phaileng, the site was characterized by flat terrain (Phaiphek) where abundant Phaiphek plants grew, thereby giving rise to the name ‘Phaileng’. At present, there are around 60 households with a population of approximately 330 residents.

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH

From the beginning of their settlement at Phaileng in 1974, existing UPC members gathered for regular worship in private residences, such as the home of Pu V. Lalauva, functioning as a fully established church despite lacking a dedicated church building. Rev. Ralianga carried out ministerial work among them. Subsequently, on February 26, 1975, Rev. Ralianga officially organized the local church on a formal basis. The pioneer leaders were:

• Chairman : Pu Zatawna
• Secretary : Pu Thankima
• At the time of official formation, the church comprised 66 members.

MEMBERSHIP GROWTH

Rev. Ralianga conducted a dynamic ministry, engaging in formal religious debates with neighboring denominations on three distinct occasions. As each debate resulted in additional converts seeking baptism, the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) eventually prohibited further debates. In 1976, a major baptismal crusade was held, during which numerous individuals received baptism in the name of Jesus administered by Rev. Ralianga.

CHRONOLOGY OF CHURCH BUILDINGS

From its inception, the church conducted services in private residences for an initial period without a dedicated sanctuary structure.

• 1st Church Building : The first church building was erected in 1976. It was situated just below the rear of the present church site, on the property currently owned by Elder Vanlalduata. Built as a bamboo structure (Maurap In), it was officially dedicated and offered to God on February 29, 1976, by the Hnahthial Section Pastor, Rev. Ralianga, bringing great joy to the congregation.
  
  Perceiving the original site to be somewhat secluded, church leaders approached community authorities to request the hilltop plot above Pu Chhawna's residence, which serves as the present church location. This occurred during a period when no Village Council (VC) was in office; the area was overseen by a Circle Assistant (CA) based in Pangzawl. In the absence of a VC, Pu K. Zaihnuna (currently serving as Elder at Pangzawl Khawngbawk in 2021) was assigned interim charge by the CA. Hesitant to grant the land directly on his own authority, Pu K. Zaihnuna drafted a formal petition for the church, which representatives led by Pu Saipianga submitted to the Pangzawl CA, Pu Laltuma. Fortunately, Pu Laltuma granted the land that remains the sanctuary site to this day. The dimensions of the new church property are: 29 meters on the North, 22 meters on the South, 33 meters on the East, and 34 meters on the West. The congregation expressed deep gratitude to Pu Laltuma for his generosity. Likewise, this outcome was a direct fruit of Pu K. Zaihnuna's dedication and pioneering assistance.
• 2nd Church Building : Securing their desired land energized the congregation, greatly strengthening collective fellowship and voluntary participation. They immediately set to work preparing the ground, organizing intensive voluntary labor drives (hnatlang) under moonlight and Petromax lighting. The Petromax lamp was donated by Evan. Lalzuithanga of Lunglei Venglai, for which the church remained deeply grateful.
  
  Upon completing site excavation, the original bamboo church was dismantled and its usable materials were relocated uphill to construct the second building. Construction of this second bamboo structure was completed on March 17, 1983, without holding a formal inaugural service.
• 3rd Church Building : The third church building was constructed as a timber-framed structure, built through the sacrificial labor of Pu Rosanga Sailo (currently serving as Local Elder at Pangzawl Khuanghlum in 2021). Featuring a sawn-timber framework, corrugated iron roofing, and woven bamboo matting walls (thum bawh kaihsawih), it measured 36 feet in length by 16 feet in width. The congregation expressed immense gratitude to Pu Rosanga for his contribution. It was dedicated in 1987, though exact archival records regarding the precise date, month, and officiating minister are no longer available.
• 4th Church Building : The fourth sanctuary was constructed as a standard Assam-type structure by Pu Biakthanga of Farm Veng, Lunglei. Measuring 36 feet in length by 18 feet in width, it was dedicated and offered to God on July 8, 1997, by the Section Pastor, Rev. PC. Nghakliana. On the day of dedication, cattle and swine were slaughtered for a community feast, with all inaugural expenses fully sponsored by Cabinet Minister Pu HL. Ruata, to whom the church expressed heartfelt appreciation.
• 5th Church Building : As societal progress advanced and the congregation's aspirations grew—compounded by the aging and small capacity of the former structure—the church resolved to construct a modern reinforced concrete (RCC) sanctuary. Facing challenges in securing a skilled yet affordable master mason, the congregation turned to Pu HC. Ramtharnghaka of Pangzawl Venghlun. Understanding their financial constraints, he permitted the church to set his compensation at a rate within their means and committed to contributing one day of voluntary labor per week throughout the project.
  
  On May 2, 2017, Section Pastor Rev. C. Hmingthanfala laid the foundation stone, officially commencing construction. The building dimensions measure 60 feet in length by 27 feet in width. Designed according to an aesthetic structural plan, the mason executed the project with meticulous workmanship from start to completion. Although grand dedication plans were set for May 2, 2020 (exactly three years from commencement), the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic postponed the official opening until 2021. The completed sanctuary stands as a magnificent edifice. The cost estimation for this structure was prepared by Bro. R. Lalmalsawma of Chanmari, Lunglei, while the architectural blueprint was drafted by Bro. Lalnunsanga (Sangtea) of Venglai, Lunglei.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND JUBILEE

Sectional Transfers : From its establishment in 1974 until 1985, S. Phaileng Local was attached to the Hnahthial Section. Upon the creation of the Pangzawl Section in 1985, it fell under its jurisdiction. In 1986, pursuant to District Board resolution for administrative convenience, it was transferred to the Haulawng Section, where it remains to this day.

Silver Jubilee : On February 26, 2000, the church joyfully celebrated its Silver Jubilee with newly appointed Section Pastor Rev. PC. Rosanga serving as main speaker. The milestone was marked with the erection of a Jubilee monument and a fellowship feast.

CURRENT STATUS AND BOARD (2025)

Current Membership (2025) : As of 2025, the local church comprises 86 total members across 17 households.

2025-2026 Local Church Board :

• Chairman : Elder C. Lalthuama
• Secretary : Rbt. C. Vanlalsanga
• Treasurer : Rbt. C. Vanlalduata
• Statistician : Elder V. Lianzuala