HNAHTHIAL ELECTRIC CHURCH

Hnahthial Electric Church is located in the northern part of Hnahthial. Previously, members attended Tarpho Local in Hnahthial. Due to the long and difficult commute during the monsoon and winter seasons, they decided to establish a separate congregation. They subsequently submitted a formal application to the Tarpho (H) Church Board.

Led by District Pastor Rev. Zalawma, the request was considered on the evening of 17 January 1980, and permission for separation was granted. On the evening of 21 January 1980, six committee members gathered at the residence of Evangelist K. Bawithanga, where District Pastor Rev. Zalawma officially formed the Hnahthial Electric Church.

Church Workers at Establishment:

1. Pu Aichhinga 2. Evan K. Bawithanga 3. Pu Chhanpiala 4. Pu C. Bawithanga. They were appointed during the initial church formation. Appointed Elders: 1. Upa Chhanpiala 2. Upa Aichhinga. Office Bearers for the Church Board were also appointed immediately.

Upa Aichhinga was elected as the Section Board member. At the time of establishment, the membership was at its lowest, starting with just 40 members. Following the separation, the first individuals to receive baptism in Electric Church were Mrs. Sawihnuni and her companions.

Key Highlights of Establishment:

Established in 1980, the early members were full of joy and enthusiasm. As the organization took root, duties and needs multiplied, leading members to work tirelessly. They immediately started constructing a church building with great dedication. They organized programs for important church occasions and festivals, celebrating them with joy.

The first Pentecostal Day was celebrated with a singing fellowship at Upa Aichhinga’s home, with Bro. C. Bawithanga serving as Chairman.

During the first Week of Prayer (Beirual), nightly worship services were held, offering special opportunities to welcome new members.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHURCH BUILDING:

Following the separation from Tarpho Local, the first thatched church building was completed in May 1980 and inaugurated by District Pastor Rev. Zalawma. After approximately 10 years of use, plans were made to reconstruct it. On 6 February 1992 at 11:15 AM, the foundation stone for the new church building was laid under the leadership of District Pastor Rev. C. Darkhuma. A loan of ₹6,000 was taken from the District for tin roofing sheets. Window panes were voluntarily sponsored, while ventilation frames and the pulpit were contributed by individuals and departments. By September 1992, the main structure was framed. On the evening of 18 September 1992, the District Pastor dedicated the building to God, and on Sunday morning, 20 September 1992, the congregation officially moved in. On Saturday, 29 November 1997, Rev. Zalawma officially inaugurated the church. Total expenditure for construction was approximately ₹63,261.

As time passed and the world modernized, the desire for a new church building emerged again. Being a small congregation, financial resources were limited when construction plans began. In early 2014, a Building Committee was formed to begin work as funds allowed. Initially, the committee possessed only around ₹40,000. Construction proceeded gradually around the existing building without demolishing it. A bank loan of ₹4,00,000 was taken, along with ₹2,00,000 received from the District for roofing. Due to high financial demands, a portion of the church property had to be sold.

After nearly two years of building around the old structure, demolition eventually became necessary. During almost the entire construction period, services were held in the basement of Sis. Zochhawni’s house, which she provided free of rent—a gesture for which the congregation remains deeply grateful. Prior to using Sis. Zochhawni's basement, services were held for a considerable period at the home of Church Board Chairman Upa C. Chhunhranga.

The congregation demonstrated great unity, working together harmoniously as individuals and departments. Currently, the main structure of the church building is complete and in active use, while finishing work continues toward an official inauguration at the earliest opportunity.

Department Formation Dates:

• 1. Sunday School Department was established alongside the Church formation on 21 January 1980. Teachers were appointed on the evening of 24 January 1980.
• 2. Missions Department was formed concurrently with the Church establishment on 21 January 1980.
• 3. LAD : Applied for formation at the Church Board on 11 February 1980. After deliberation, a decision was postponed; following consultation among the women after Sunday service on 16 February 1980, it was formally established.
• 4. PYD was established on 23 February 1981.