SBCZ: Asia’s second largest church inaugurated

Dubbed as Asia’s largest Baptist Church and Asia’s second largest Church, the new Sumi Baptist Church Zunheboto  (SBCZ) was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Solomon Rongpi, general secretary of the CBCNEI Saturday at an impressive function held inside the Church building. Standing at the height of 1864.9 m above the sea level, this colossal structure has a height of 166’ft, length of 203’ft and breadth of 153’ft with a total plinth area of 23,73,476 sq.ft with seating capacity of 8500 seats and 27 rooms.
Delivering the message on the theme “Enter His gate with thanksgiving,” Rev. Dr. Solomon Rongpi told the fully packed audience that one should always give thanks to God for all the blessings He showers upon His people. He said that despite facing hardships, adversaries and trails in one’s life, the people of God should not fail in shouting praises to God.
Rev.Rongpi asked the gathering that during this time of dedication, believers in Zunheboto to remember God’s love and compassion and to start counting the blessings of God one by one. He said that the people of Zunheboto has been blessed with a magnificent Church which is the second largest Church in Asia, the largest being Yoido Full Church at Seoul, South Korea, which is a Pentecostal Church.
Earlier, giving a brief account on the construction of the Church, Kiyelho H.Yeptho, chairman, NCBC informed that the works on the new Church building began in the year 2007 and was completed in the year 2017. He said that it was through free will donation, house budget and contributions of one month salaries of believers that the Church could be completed. He said that it was through faith of the believers that the Church withstood all the financial shortfalls.
Kiyelho said the Church also withstood a total of seven tremors during the construction period but the building did not develop even a “hairline” of cracks. He said the Church has to its credit, the sound system, digital generator and lighting system which are the finest in all the Churches in the Northeast.
Giving a status report on the expenditure incurred towards the construction of the Church building, Y. Vihoshe Murru, finance secretary said that the total expenditure incurred so far stood at Rs. 32 crores and with the ongoing works, the total expenditure for full completion would touch the Rs. 36 crores.
He said that though the initial estimate was made at Rs. 11 Crore, due to cost escalation, procuring and installation of various gadgets and equipments which were not projected earlier, the budget was enhanced three times and on completion, touched Rs. 36 Crores.
Earlier, the dedicatory programme began with the planting of tree saplings by the speaker and NBCC general secretary Zelhou Keyho within the Church premises followed by the customary cutting of ribbon by CBCNEI general secretary. The programme began with a “curtain raiser” by Sunday school children.
Kughato Jimomi, chairman, Deacon Council delivered the welcome address. Rev.Hukugha, E.S SBAK said the invocation while Dr. Nihoshe Yeptho, former chairman, D/Council SBCZ pronounced the benediction.