United Pentecostal Church, Ramthar Local History

United Pentecostal Church, Ramthar Local was formerly known as Matu Veng Church. Functioning under the Lunglawn Village Council, it branched out from Lunglawn UPC Church. Within the Matu Veng area, many revivalists gathered for fellowship, church services, and choir praise at the residence of Mr. Salora (Matu). With the approval of the District officials, a bamboo structure church was erected on Wednesday, 23rd March 1973, at the property of Mr. Ngaihzuala (where the MRHG / Home Guard is currently located). It was officially named 'Matu Veng UPC Church'. The leaders of the church during that time were as follows (Church Establishment Date: 23.03.1973, Wednesday):

With around 100 church members, the original church site—being private property—became inconvenient over time. Consequently, a meeting was held, and in 1974, land was purchased from Mr. Thanhnuna (Matu), where a new church building was immediately constructed. By then, membership had reached around 140, and various departments—LAD, PYD, and Sunday School—were fully appointed.

After some time, following the regrouping of Thangte village residents, permission was sought from the District leadership to readjust and relocate from the previous church site. Thus, the old church site (Mr. Thanhnuna's property) was handed over to the District, and the church site at Thangte village was utilized. Construction of the new church began and was officially dedicated for use on 20th October 1978. At that time, the church membership stood at around 150.

Church Leaders:

As time progressed with spiritual joy among members and numerous individual honors being celebrated, the District leadership officially renamed 'Matu Veng Kohhran UPC' to 'Ramthar Local UPC NEI' starting in 1985.

Key Highlights & Notable Events:

1. On 14.6.1982, church construction debt of Rs. 2,241.50/- was paid off to Mr. Pakunga.
2. In December 1984, the church purchased 7 large cooking pots (Belpui - 7 khap).
3. On 15.2.1987, the name 'Ramthar-I' appeared for the first time in official church formatting.
4. Following the adoption of the name Ramthar-I, the first Church Board meeting was held on 15.3.1987 at the residence of Elder V. Rawngliana.
5. Following the Church Board reorganization on 15.2.1987, the Rice Tithe (Buhfaitham) was placed under the care of the LAD.
6. On 17.1.1988, at the 1st Church Board Committee meeting, a resolution was passed as a Presbytery Agenda stating: 'A Middle School should be established within Lunglei District'.
7. On 16.1.2000, the Church Board Committee passed a resolution to apply for a water connection.
8. On 19.1.2003, the Church Board Committee passed a resolution to officially change the local name from Ramthar-I to Ramthar Local.

Golden Jubilee Celebration and Church Building Inauguration:

The currently occupied church building measures 70 feet in length and 35 feet in width, marking the third church building. The Golden Jubilee was celebrated on 23rd March 2023, along with the inauguration of the church building on the same day. The church building was inaugurated by Rev. C. Vanlalena, District Superintendent, while Rev. LH. Lalchhandama, District Pastor, unveiled the Golden Jubilee Memorial Stone.

Current Status:

Ramthar Local currently has 450 members (according to the 2025 report). This includes 7 Elders, 2 License Holders, 6 Lay Preachers, 97 LAD members, 140 PYD members, 136 PCD members, and 39 PMD members.

Church Leaders for 2025-2026: