Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, August 11:
The Hunphun Baptist Church (HBC) on Sunday celebrated its 58th Choir Raising Day with an inspiring blend of music, praise, and fellowship, reflecting decades of dedication to glorifying God through song. Held under the theme “Jesu Wuivang Laa Salu – Sing for God”, the event featured a spirited choir competition centered on the hymn “When We All Get to Heaven” (KKL 506).
Participants showcased their talents across multiple categories, including choir group performances, double quartet, trio, and duet segments. The atmosphere was further enlivened by a variety of entertainment items such as choreography, special song presentations, and uplifting speeches.
In an interaction with the media HBC Choir Director Eno. Tungsa Ragui traced the origins of the choir back to 1967, when a small group of Hunphun youths sowed the seeds of a musical ministry that has grown into a vibrant fellowship with over a hundred members today. “Many of the pioneers are no longer with us, but the fruits of their faith and labour continue to flourish. Our mission is not only to lead Sunday services through music but to dedicate our lives to glorifying God, sacrificing comfort for the sake of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards for the Best Choir of the Year 2024–25. In the Senior category, Male winner was Yunkhui Raleng, while Female went to Shonreiphi Shatsang. In the Junior category, Male winner was Urmathing HA and Female was Mawonyi R. Shaiza.
Founded in 1956, Hunphun Baptist Church holds the distinction of being the second oldest church in Ukhrul town, after Phungyo Baptist Church, Manipur’s mother church. The annual Choir Raising Day not only honours the church’s musical legacy but also serves as a platform for nurturing the next generation of faith-driven musicians.
The celebration concluded with the congregation joining in heartfelt praise, affirming the enduring role of music as a bridge between faith, community, and the divine.