The Sumi Baptist Church Kohima (SBCK) marked a significant milestone in its journey towards a century of existence with the Pre-Centenary Music Ministry Celebration held at the church premises today 8th July 2025. This event is part of the year-long celebration commemorating 100 years of the church’s establishment from 1925 to 2025, themed “Faithful through the ages.”
The celebration was a blend of nostalgia and festivity, honoring the pioneers of music ministry while showcasing the vibrant musical talents under the SBCK umbrella., an update from its media cell stated.
The Pre-Centenary Music Ministry Celebration was observed in the morning devotional service and evening Sunday services. Rev Hojevi Kappo, Secretary of DoCMM, WSBAK, and former Music Director of SBCK, delivered a sermon in the devotional service, reflecting on the rich history of SBCK and its reputation for musical bands in the 1980s.
Rev. Kappo expressed gratitude for witnessing the church’s 100th-year Centenary celebration and emphasized the significance of music, stating, “Music and song are the identity of our people.”
The sermon focused on Psalm 137. Rev Kappo urged believers to introspect and reform their spiritual lives through the Centenary celebration, stressing the importance of preserving the Sutsa mother tongue and Sumi culture.
As the head of the Afuko School of Music and Indigenous Arts in Dimapur, Rev Kappo emphasized the urgency of inculcating the value of traditions and culture of one’s tribe. He noted that the American missionaries who brought the gospel to the Naga Hills respected and preserved the local culture and social identity.
Rev Kappo encouraged the Sumi tribe to continue promoting music and preserving their cultural identity for the glory of God.
Y Kikheto Sema (IAS), Chairman of the Centenary Planning Board, greeted the congregation and highlighted SBCK’s rich musical heritage. He noted that SBCK has been blessed with numerous musical bands since the early 1980s, including Spring Voice, Living Witness, Male Voice, True Vine, and many others.
Sema announced the year-long Pre-Centenary celebrations, which will feature different departments under SBCK ministry. The events include: June 8, 2025, Pre-Centenary Christian Education July 27, 2025, Pre-Centenary Youth Department August 17, 2025, Pre-Centenary Women Department September 28, 2025, Pre-Centenary Pioneers Celebration October 26, 2025 and the main Jubilee Mass Celebration is scheduled to be held on November 8-9, 2025.