Sürümi Baptist Church, including both the denomination SBAK Nito Mount and SBAK Aizuto marked its Centennial Jubilee (1925–2025) with a grand celebration held on December 27 and 28 at Sürümi Village Ground. The jubilee was observed under the theme “Maturity in Christ” (Colossians 1:28), locally translated as “Tekhoive Keu Khristomi.”
The two-day celebration began on December 27 with the dedication of the Jubilee Stone by Rev. Dr. Daniel Chishi, Executive Secretary of SBAK (Aizuto). This was followed by a greetings message delivered by Shetoyi Yepthomi, former MLA and Parliamentary Secretary Government of Nagaland.
On the second day, the Word of God was shared by Rev Kughato K Chophy, Executive Secretary of SBAK, Nito Mount.
Delivering a special address, Hekani Jakhalu, MLA and Advisor for Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland, highlighted that the year signifies the Lord’s favour. She said the gathering was an occasion to seek God’s blessings and acknowledged that her position as an MLA was not something she had ever imagined, but a blessing from God for the community.
She urged the community to move away from negative speech and instead come together to discuss constructive ways to progress for the betterment of society. Emphasizing unity, she said, “Let us change our mindset to build a stronger and more united Sürümi village.”
Calling for both personal and collective transformation, she added that embracing positive change would inspire others to speak well of Sürümi and celebrate its growth.
Village chief, Akükatou Qheniho Jakhalu, in his address, encouraged the people of Sürümi to live in unity and work together for the betterment of society. He called upon the community to glorify God’s name.
Deputy Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Toiho S Yeptho, reflected on the significance of Jubilee, noting that retrospection every 50 years aligns with Jewish tradition. Referring to Matthew 6:14–15, he emphasized forgiveness as the true meaning of Jubilee, citing Luke 18:13. He challenged the gathering to reflect on whether they are able to forgive others, stating that God is with Sürümi. Highlighting the village’s contribution as a hub for government servants and professionals, he remarked that with great power comes great responsibility, and Sürümi must set an example for other villages.
Rev Kughato K Chophy further shared God’s Word on the theme “Tekhoive Keu Khristomi (Aküxü Kithe)” from Ezekiel 36:26. He also noted that the church is looking forward to celebrating its 200-year Jubilee in 2033.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Mughalu Swu, Pastor of Sürümi Baptist Akukuhou (SBA). The invocation prayer was offered by Ghunali Aye, Women Leader, SBA. The Jubilee Choir led special numbers, including “Heaven’s Jubilee” and “We Have Reached the Jubilee Day” (Jubilee Tsala Tove). Remembering the pioneers was led by Rev Zutovi Yeptho, former pastor, while Rev Henije Zhimo, also an ex-pastor, offered a special prayer for the villagers of Sürümi. The offertory prayer was offered by Vihoto H Awomi of Centre Baptist Church, SBAK Nito Mount.
General (Retd.) Niki Sumi, President of the NSCN-K (Niki), was also present at the celebration.
The programme concluded with a benediction by Rev Khumtsa Awomi, former pastor, followed by a Jubilee Feast.
Speaking to the nedia, Er Shikato Jakhalu informed that the Centennial Jubilee was observed as a year-long celebration, beginning with the declaration of the Jubilee Year on January 5, 2025. This was followed by the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Jubilee Monolith on February 19.
As part of the centenary celebrations, a medical camp was organized on June 22, during which three separate medical camps were conducted by 23 doctors from Sürümi village. The initiative benefited the entire village, with residents receiving free medical consultations and treatment.
Another major highlight of the Jubilee was the completion of the “Jubilee Road” project. Sürümi village spans approximately three kilometres from one end to the other, and the entire stretch has now been developed into a well-laid block road. The project was completed and inaugurated on November 19, 2025.
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The culmination programme held on December 27 and 28 witnessed a massive turnout. According to Jakhalu, over 3,000 people attended the service on the first day, while nearly 4,000 gathered on the second day. People from various cities and towns participated in the historic celebration.
He stated that Sürümi village has around 1,300 households, and nearly 90 percent of them attended the programme, many bringing their children and grandchildren to receive blessings on the occasion of the centenary.
The Jubilee celebrations concluded with a thanksgiving service on the evening of December 28. Expressing gratitude, Jakhalu gave all glory to Almighty God for granting the community the opportunity to witness and celebrate the 100-year milestone. He added that the villagers consider themselves fortunate to be part of such a historic event during their lifetime.
Responding to a media query, Jakhalu emphasized that the Centennial Jubilee was jointly organized by all three Christian denominations in the village. He stated that SBAK Aizuto, SBAK Nito Mount and NCRC churches came together in unity to organize and celebrate the historic occasion.
