The Sümi Baptist Convention will mark a historic milestone with the 100th Anniversary of Sumi Ordination (1926-2026) on April 12, 2026, at 9.30 AM at Lazami Baptist Church. Organized by the Sümi Baptist Convention, the event will feature the official unveiling of a monolith commemorating the first Sümi ordained minister, the late Rev. Yemhi Swunetho.
Rev. Dr. Khehovi Shohe, Director of the Sümi Baptist Convention, will unveil the monolith. The program will be chaired by Rev. Akhato L. Achumi, Pastor and Chairman of the SABAK Ordination Board, with proceedings recorded by Rev. Phushito Chishi, Evangelist of WSBAK.
Key highlights include greetings from Rev. Kughato K. Chophy, Executive Secretary of SBAK- Nitomount and President of the Sümi Baptist Convention, and a message from the Word of God by Rev. Dr. Phughoto Sema, Executive Secretary of WSBAK and Chairman of the Sümi Baptist Convention Ordination Council.
The historic celebration shall incorporate solemn prayers in commemoration of the departed Sumi Reverends and in supplication for those presently serving the Lord. A dedicated prayer will also be offered for the Reverends and the descendants of the late Reverend Yemhi Swunetho.
In a special segment, Rev. Dr. Hukato Shohe Principal Trinity Theological College will launch a souvenir profiling the late Rev. Yemhi Swunetho and the 100-year legacy of Sumi ordination.
Rev. Yemhi Swunetho born in 1878, son of Khakhu of Lazami village, Rev. Yemhi heard the Word of God from Rev. H.B. Dickson, missionary of Kohima Field Baptist Church (1905-1908), and converted to Christianity in 1908.
From 1908-1919, he served as a preacher, interpreter, and traveling pastor. Baptized in 1920 by Evangelist Zapuzalie Angami along with his wife Mineli, daughter Khuli, and Musalho Nekha, he established Lazami Baptist Church that same year.
On March 25, 1926, Rev. Yemhi became the first Sumi (Sema) tribe to be ordained by Rev. J.E. Tanquist at the Kohima Field Baptist Church Council in Chishilimi village. He later pastored at Yesholutomi Baptist Church (1927), Imlomi Baptist Church (1929), and served as Vice Chairman of the Sema Baptist Churches Association and Mission Sub-Centre at Chishilimi, before passing away on October 3, 1932.
This centennial observance honors a pioneering legacy and inspires future generations in Sumi Christian ministry.