Rev Dr K Santabir Rai dedicates golden jubilee monolith of NBCK on July 31. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 31
The Golden Jubilee celebration of the Nepali Baptist Church Kohima (NBCK) commenced at the church premises, Midland, Kohima under the theme: “...and forget not all His benefits,” (Psalm 103:2) on July 31.
The celebration started with dedication of golden jubilee monolith by Rev Dr K Santabir Rai, Executive Secretary, Association of Gorkha Baptist Churches Nagaland (AGBCN), followed by Jubilee Procession and Jubilee Lamp-Lighting Ceremony.
The programme was led by Narayan Bahadur, Convener, Monolith Committee and Co-convener of the organising committee. Khyomo Lotha, former MP Nagaland also shared greetings. The programme featured invocation by Gagan Thapa, Advisor, organising committee, Bible readings by Nandu Kumar Thapa and Rekha Thapa, welcome song by Golden Jubilee Joint Committee.
The introduction of the golden jubilee souvenir was made by John Thakuri, Convener, Souvenir Committee and released by Pastor Jack Thapa.
Dr Gopal Basnet Chetri, Convener, organising committee led the felicitation of the guests and invitees. Special presentation was rendered by Jubilee Choir and Nepali Baptist Church, Sechü Zubza. CB Gurung, Advisor, Organising Committee pronounced benediction.
Other speakers of the celebration will include; Rev Dr Mar Pongener, General Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC); Rev Rajendra Malla, President, Nepal Baptist Church Council; Rev Dr Rachulie Vihienuo, Executive Director, Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC); Visato Yhoshu, Pastor, Union Baptist Church (UBC), Kohima and Jack Thapa, Pastor, Nepali Baptist Church Kohima.
The celebration will continue till August 2.
Jubilee thanksgiving service has been scheduled for September 13.
Meanwhile, Rev Dr Mar Pongener and Rev Rajendra Malla will be the speakers for morning and evening service respectively on August 1 while greetings will be shared by Rev Dr Ruokuovilie Sachii, president Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship and Hari Magar, Church & Mission Secretary AGBCN.
History of NBCK
Fifty years ago, spreading the Gospel among the Nepali-speaking community in Nagaland seemed nearly impossible due to deep social and religious barriers. Yet, through divine grace, God worked through humble and outcast individuals, beginning with Late Jodhbir Hamal, the first convert in 1959, and his companions.
Despite hardships and limited resources, they faithfully shared the Gospel, leading to the first outreach on August 3, 1976. In commemoration, the NBCK observes the first Sunday of August as Church Foundation Day.
With support from Union Baptist Church Kohima, regarded as the Mother Church, the fellowship grew steadily. Leaders were appointed, pastoral guidance provided, and the Nepali Baptist Church Kohima was formally established. Through prayer, sacrifice, and unity, the Church overcame financial struggles, natural disasters, and societal challenges to build places of worship.
The congregation expanded over the years, constructing church buildings through collective contributions. In 2001, the Church celebrated its Silver Jubilee with 726 registered baptized members.
Today, the NBCK stands as a testament to God's faithfulness, grace, and the enduring faith of its people, with 1,656 registered baptized members as of April 5, 2026.
