CHAMPHAI VENGSANG PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Origin : As per instruction and permission of Mr. N.

E Perry, Superintendent of Lushai Hills No. 908. Ai zawl , Dated 3.7.1924 to Mr. Thangthiauva, Chief of Vengsang, the church was here established in 1924. It was the third church to be established in Champhai town. Although the church building situated within Vengsang chieftainship, Christians from Vengsang and Kahrawt, right from the begining shared the church. Reasons for this joint service/fellowship could be that chief of Vengsang and Kahrawt were brothers. The church was for long time known as Chapel Pui (Main Chapel) as it was the biggest church in champhai. It couldnt be dated when it became to be called and known as Kahrawt Presbyterian Church. Reason for this change of name could be that majority of the members of the church belonged to Kahrawt area. The church committee, after a number of sittings, resolved that the church be divided into kahrawt church and Vengsang Church respectively at the beginning of 2002. The committee looked into the spiritual upliftment of the members as the number of members became increasingly large. Accordingly, the Moderators of Khawchhak Presbytery Rev. C. Chanchinmawia declared the division of the church into Kahrawt Presbyterian Church and Vengsang presbyterian Church as seperate local church respectively on March 2002 Kahrawt area retained the name of the Church, but shifted to a new church building. Vengsang area got a new name Vengsang Presbyterian Church, but retained the church building.

Re-construction of the church building started in May, 2005 and construction is still going on. However, the new church building was inaugurated on 8th May, 2010 by Elder Vanlalnghaka, Moderator, Champhai South Presbytery The first building was constructed in 1924 the second building in 1941, the third one in 1962, and the fourth in 1977 and this is the fifth one. The Church building: Ground floor Church Hall cum Sunday school (60x50) hall for Children Department Worship Hall 70x50x19 with verandah and vestry 109x70. Top of the cross from the ground 92ft high. Total cost of construction Rs.15,000,000(approx) In 2003, Mizoram Synod divided Kahrawt Pastorate into three Pastorate Kahrawt, Kanan, and Vengsang Pastorate respectively The Church became the station of the Vengsang Pastorate in 2004. God is leading, blessing and guiding the Church in abundance. In 2006, the Church Choir was declared the Champion Choir in the Choir Competition organized by Music Committee, Mizoram Synod.

Vengsang Presbyterian Church Statistics: 1. Pastor : Rev. Lalparchhuana 2. Active Elder : 10 3. Tual Upa (Elected committee member for 3 years) :3 4. Communicants : 864 5. Church member : 1226 6. Families : 249 7. Sunday School learners : 901 8. Sunday School Teachers : 104

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Champhai Town: The third largest town in Mizoram state with a population of 32,630 is a commercial town which is situated at the Indo Myanmar border. It is a store house of ancient lirics, monuments and memorials connected with legends and folklores. Champhai has a salubrious climate and a number of tourist attractions.

Rihdil Lake: At a mere 22 kms distances inside Myanmar, is the legendary Rih Dil, a beautiful heart shaped lake believed to be the passage of the Souls to their eternal abode. The lake is 1 km. Long and 70 mtrs. Wide. The wonder of this lake is that though it has no external inflow or outflow of water, it is constantly clear and has invoked many interesting folk-tales.

Lianchhiari Lunglen Tlang: This is the legendary cliff with its projection protruding perilously far outside the rugged mountain where the lovers like the besotted Lianchhiari used to look-out for Chawngfianga. This enigmatic natural wonder is 64 kms south of Champhai on the way to Khawbung.

Rice bowl of Mizoram: Champhai valley, the largest valley in Mizoram known as "The Rice bowl of Mizoram" is located at the base of the town. A chain of green hills encircle luxuriant rice fields, which add to the beauty of this place. Folktales tells that this valley was flattened by the Mizo Hero named Chhurbura.

Mura Puk: It is located in Zote village, about 10km from Champhai town. It consists of six caves. Legend tells that it was a hide out for villagers in olden days as they were preyed upon by a gigantic eagle called Mura for food. Mura was known to be cruel and his tactic for hunting was unique. He would perch on the roof of the huts, and then he would push his tail through the rear door that would force the people to try and escape through the front door. He would then catch the victim or victims with his beak and feed on it. He would repeat this almost every day. Therefore, the villagers dug these caves to hide from the Ferocious Eagle.

Thasiama seno neihna: This is a plateau on a steep rugged hillock that protrudes out precariously and is not easily negotiable by man. Located at Vaphai, a village about 86 kms. away from Champhai. According to legend the plateau is the site where Thasiama`s Mithun used to calf, considered impossible for a Mithun to climb even today. However, legend tells us that Thasiama had an affairs with a beautiful Fairy named Chawngtinleri and that the Fairy had bestowed him a gift that his Mithun will multiply and make him prosperous. The Fairy used to guide Thasiama`s Mithun to this particular hill for safe delivery and guard it against the onslaught of tigers that haunt the area.

Information & Publicity Committee Vengsang Presbyterian Church

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