THE CELEBRATION OF THE GOSPEL CENTENARY

THE CELEBRATION OF THE GOSPEL CENTENARY

Lal Dena

Manipur would have celebrated its first Gospel Centenary on 6 January sixteen years ago, that is, 1994 because that was the first centenary year of William Pettigrew’s coming to Imphal under the sponsorship of Arthington Aborigines’ Mission,London, had the Meitei brothers in the valley accepted his message then. Believing that his missionary call was among the Meiteis, Pettigrew soon began his proselytizing activities among them by opening twoLP.Schools at Moirangkhom and Thangmeiband and two other UP Schools at Terakeithel and Singjamei and the latter school named Pettigrew School can still be seen today. As a matter of fact, it was Pettigrew who initiated the state educational policy as an honourary inspector of schools. In my opinion, William Pettigrew was the savior of Manipuri language (Meiteilon). The colonial officials insisted that both Bengali script and language should be adopted as the script and mediem of instruction in the schools. Despite Pettigrew’s objection Bangali script was retained and thanks to his farsightedness, Meiteilon was used as the medium of instruction in all the Manipur’s Schools.

However, unable to stay at Imphal any longer, William Pettigrew had to move to Ukhrul on 6 February, 1986 and the Tangkhul Baptist Long in collaboration with the Manipur Baptist Convention, Imphal, celebrated the first Gospel Centenary in 7-10 March,1996 with a theme on ‘Christ the Hope of the Ages’ by inviting some prominent Baptist leaders and the great grand daughter of William Pettigrew in USA. Maharaj Kumar P.B. Singh, the bond of Manipur Ching-Tam Unity, also graced the occasion as guest of honour. Appreciating Pettigrew’s overall contributions in the field of education, linguist and literature, like minded people at Imphal formed themselves into the Pettigrew Centenary Celebration Committee comprising Gangmumei Kamei, Chairman, E.Kunjeswar, Archbishop Mittathany, Lal Dena, K.K.Hugh, T.Mingthing, Kamkhenthang, W.Tomchou, Fr.Tom Karthick, Y.Luikham and K.Prongo and also organized two centenary celebrations at Imphal and Hungphun in the same year. One lasting outcome of this celebration was the publication of the book entitled Rev William Pettigrew: A Pioneer Missionary of Manipur.

Now another Gospel Centenary, the second in Manipur, but the first one in Churachandpur District is being celebrated by the Independent Church of India (ICI) and  its allied churches in Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar at its mission headquarters at Sielmat, Churachandpur from 4-7, February, 2010, with a theme of the ‘Power of the Gospel’. As the Gospel originally came from Aizawl, the Mizoram Synod Church, had released the Gospel Torch in its solemn ceremony at the Synod Conference Centre, Aizawl and handed it over to the moderator of Independent Church of India on 6 January, 2010. By retracing the footsteps of Watkin R. Roberts, the torch had passed through several villages in North Mizoram followed by hundreds of enthusiastic youths and was then brought to Senvawn where Watkin Roberts first preached the Gospel message amidst thunderous shouts of Halleluija and the great celebration of the advent Gospel Centenary started from 21-24 January, 2010 and prominent dignitaries including Rochunga Pudaite, USA, retired government officials and a host of the grand children of pioneer Mizo missionaries from Mizoram to Southwest Manipur also participated in the celebration.

The Gospel Torch which had been kept at Senvawn was released on 28 January, 2010 and brought first to the Pearsonmun Church (Pearsonmun means place of Pearson, former British SDO of Churachandpur) followed by more than three hundred delegates with thirteen vehicles. The Saikawt Presbyterian officers had received the symbolic Gospel Torch at Bungmual Playground in the evening of 30 January, 2010 with thousands and thousands of people casting aside their community and church affiliations. The pastors had then lighted torches held by thousands of people from the main Gospel Torch and then slowly walked through the streets of Churachandpur with a shout of Hallelujah! David Roberts, grandson of Watkin Roberts will finally bring it to the Centenary Celebration Hall at Sielmat on the evening of 4 February, 2010 signaling the beginning of the three days’ celebration.

The program highlights are flag hoisting, ringing of the Gospel Centenary Bell hundred times, inauguration of the Gospel Centenary Building, unveiling of Watkin R. Roberts’ Bust, 1000 Voice, Mizoram Presbyterian Synod Choir, 1000 Children Choir, special presentation from mission fields, a journey through the decades, women, youth, recognition and appreciation services, singing festival, variety shows, etc.

Okram Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister and Phungzathang Tonsing, Minister, will address the gathering after releasing the Gospel Centenary Souvenir on 5^th Feb, 2010. During the three days’ celebration Vanlalzuata, Aizawl,  H.Chungthang Thiek, Gareth Edwards, UK, Richard Howell, Vijayesh Lall, H.M.Songate, Vernon Brewer, USA and D. Ruolngul will give messages. Among other prominent dignitaries who are to grace the occasion are H.T. Sangliana, David and Evelyn Roberts, grand children of Watkin R. Roberts, Canada, David Norbury, UK, Dong Hwan Yoo, Ko hae Sung, Korea.

At the same time, the Evangelical Local Churches Fellowship, Manipur is also all set to celebrate the historic occasion at Thenmuol, Churachandpur with three days’ programmes of gospel messages and grand feasts. Meanwhile, a host of other Hmars’ Church organizations in different part of South Manipur is also prepared to celebrate the centenary at their own Synods/General Assemblies during the coming February and March 2010.

A hundred years ago, the Gospel of Jesus Christ brought Light into our land and society. The Good Lord has been faithful and brought us thus far with His abiding love and manifold blessings. As we look to the future with renewed faith and hope, secure in the knowledge that the Lord will continue to guide and lead us, the organizers invite each and everyone to come and join the Great Gospel Centenary Celebrations in Churachandpur.