From Our Correspondent
JOWAI: The Unitarian Church, Jowai observed its 125th anniversary on Tuesday in which hundreds of members of the church attended a day-long service.
The celebration, which was inaugurated by Education Minister Prof. RC Laloo on June 15 last, will culminate on February 10 next year.
The church in Jowai is the mother church of all Unitarian churches in Khasi-Jaintia Hills and Karbi-Anglong, Assam and it was established by late Hajom Kissor Singh Lyngdoh Nongbri on September 18, 1887.
Rev. Eric M Cherry from USA was the main speaker in the afternoon service chaired by L Laloo.
In his sermon, Rev. Cherry said, “125 years is a long journey. We might not remember how many sermons was preached in the church, how many new members have been inducted or how many marriage ceremonies have been solemnised but we are proud to see that the church is growing,” he said.
He also lauded the church ministers and church elders for leading the church uniquely in Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
Rev. Cherry also raised two important Unitarian matters – the matter of ‘Calling’ and the matter of ‘Vocation’.
“In our life we deeply value our favoured elders who help us discern our own callings – those are the beloved elders that we often call mentors. And, with the children in our lives we can’t help but imagine and honour the callings that will be given birth. The word vocation on the other hand may have a bit less currency in day-to-day conversation,” he said.
The chairman of the church, R Pariat briefed about the history of the church and the life of late Hajom Kissor Singh while youth members of the church presented a special choir.
In the evening all members of the church participated in a procession in which 125 traditional torches (Dongmusa) were carried to mark the 125th Anniversary of the church.