The Pre-Centenary Music Ministry Celebration at Sumi Baptist Church Kohima on June 8.
KOHIMA, JUNE 8 (MExN): The Sumi Baptist Church Kohima (SBCK) marked a major milestone on June 8 with a Pre-Centenary Music Ministry Celebration, setting the tone for its 100th anniversary commemorations under the theme "Faithful through the ages."
The celebration was held at the church premises and featured both a morning devotional service and an evening musical program. The day’s events paid homage to SBCK’s deep musical roots and honored the pioneers of its music ministry, especially its renowned bands of the 1980s.
Rev. Hojevi Kappo, Secretary of DoCMM, WSBAK, and former Music Director of SBCK, delivered the sermon during the morning service, reflecting on the church’s historic musical reputation. “Music and song are the identity of our people,” Rev. Kappo told the congregation, urging them to reflect on Psalm 137 and remain spiritually steadfast amid trials.
Rev. Kappo, who currently leads the Afuko School of Music and Indigenous Arts in Dimapur, spoke on the importance of preserving the Sutsa mother tongue and Sumi culture. He reminded the gathering of the example set by American missionaries who had “respected and preserved the local culture and social identity” while spreading the gospel in the Naga Hills.
“The Centenary is a time to remember, to weep with joy and reverence, and to sing the Lord’s song even in unfamiliar lands,” he said.
The evening session featured performances by 12 musical groups under the SBCK banner, including Spring Voice, Healing Calls, Niu Lajupu, Living Witness, Family Music Band, LMST, Harmonica Brothers, Male Voice, Lokivi Lejo, Kükümgha Sütsa, Kikimiye Lejo, True Vine, and the Centenary Choir.
Y. Kikheto Sema (IAS), Chairman of the Centenary Planning Board, delivered a greeting during the service and announced a series of Pre-Centenary events, including: June 8: Christian Education Department; July 27: Youth Department; August 17: Women Department; September 28: Pioneers Celebration; October 26: Final Pre-Centenary Event; and November 8–9: Main Jubilee Mass Celebration.
Sema also recalled SBCK’s long-standing musical heritage, noting its many bands dating back to the early 1980s.
The service was chaired by James S. Swu, Music Director of SBCK. Pastor Khekavi K. Yeptho offered the dedicatory prayer, and a special song was presented by the Afuko School of Music and Indigenous Arts and the Centenary Choir. Greeting messages were delivered by Er. Khevihse Yeptho, former Church Secretary; Ghovili Achumi, former Youth Leader; and Zhutovi Chisho, ex-Deacon and former Music Convenor.
The SBCK Media Cell stated that the event was not only a celebration of music but also a reaffirmation of faith and identity for the Sumi community as they journey toward a century of worship, culture, and community.
