The Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur (LBCD) celebrated a historic milestone with the inauguration of its newly constructed church building on Sunday. The newly constructed church was dedicated and inaugurated by by LBCD pastor, Rev. Zanao Mozhui, in the presence of a large congregation and dignitaries from various church bodies.
Delivering the message during the devotional programme, senior pastor of Purana Bazar Lotha Baptist Church (PBLBC), Rev. A. Khyolamo Jami, emphasized the importance of gratitude, unity and unwavering faith in God.
“We need to thank the Lord, for it is through Him that all things are made possible,” he said while drawing parallels to the biblical account of King Solomon and the cedar tree from 1 Kings 5:6.
Rev. Jami encouraged the congregation to reflect on their spiritual journey, stressing the importance of reverence in prayer and continued faithfulness. “Let us also rededicate our lives to the Lord, praise His name, and look forward to living for Him,” he added, likening the newly dedicated church building to a renewed spiritual commitment.
A technical report was presented by the construction committee convener, Er. Chanbemo Ngullie. He informed that the total work order amount stood at Rs. 10,27,28,800, with construction commencing on January 14, 2017, shortly after the foundation stone was laid on January 3 by Rev. Zanao Mozhui.
The project faced delays due to early rains and the COVID-19 pandemic. The construction was completed in three phases: dismantling the old structure, building the main edifice, and undertaking internal and allied works. Demolition of the previous church structure began in late 2016, following the church’s decision to build a new facility to accommodate its growing membership.
The newly inaugurated building is a state-of-the-art facility, boasting a seating capacity of 4,500 (standard) and accommodating up to 5,000 with additional seating. Covering a total area of 50,000 square feet, it has basement parking, dual galleries, a main hall, five main entry and exit points, and centralized HVAC (312 kW) with a full load capacity of 250 kVA.
The church is also equipped with inbuilt acoustics, a modern audio-visual system including six LCD monitors and camera projectors, and floor-integrated power points for presentations. It also features chancel lighting and fire detection systems.
Greetings and congratulatory messages were delivered by senior pastor of Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA), Rev. I. Wati, and vice president of Dimapur Baptist Pastors Fellowship, Dr. Keyilunglule. Other dignitaries and pastors also participated in various roles throughout the programme.
The event included special prayers, with invocation by Rev. N. Thungchio Lotha of Chümoukedima Lotha Baptist Church, offertory prayer by associate pastor Meipeni Lotha, monthly blessings by associate pastor Lanlongo Yanthan, and benediction by Rev. Arhonthung Odyuo of Borlengri Lotha Baptist Church. Scripture reading was led by Rev. Limhathung Mozhui of Diphupar Lotha Baptist Church.
Special songs were presented by the LBCD Choir and the Nagaland Strings Orchestra, adding a musical highlight to the celebration. The programme concluded with a felicitation led by LBCD senior pastor Dr. Yanbemo Lotha and a community inauguration feast.
Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur, which comprises six sectors, will now hold combined worship services twice a month in the new facility, along with all special programmes under the Nagaland Churches Baptist (NCB) fellowship.