Est. 1845 — A Living Legacy
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Established 1845

A Historic Legacy. A Living Faith.

Situated on the banks of Sivasagar Tank (Borpukhuri), Central Baptist Church stands as a sanctuary of Christian heritage, spiritual growth, and community transformation.

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Established

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Registered Families

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Years of Legacy

Historical Background

The Mother Church of Northeast India

Reflecting on over 180 years of Christian mission, social development, and cultural influence in the Assamese valley and surrounding region.

Pioneering Mission Work

Central Baptist Church Sivasagar was established on January 26, 1845, with Rev. Nathan Brown serving as the first pastor. Other prominent missionaries associated with its operation include Rev. Miles Bronson, Oliver Cutter, and William Ward.

The church played a pivotal role as the launching pad for Christian outreach in Northeast India, sending the first missionaries into the Naga Hills. To this day, it is recognized as a mother church in regional history, celebrating its 175th anniversary Jubilee in January 2020.

Revival of the Assamese Language

In 1846, Rev. Nathan Brown and Oliver Cutter published Arunodoi (or Orunodoi), the first Assamese journal/magazine, from the Sibsagar Mission Press. The mission printed the first Assamese grammar books and dictionaries, reviving the language's status and establishing Sivasagar as the cradle of modern Assamese literature.

Vol. I, No. 1 Sibsagar, Jan 1846

THE INAUGURAL EDITION

"Arunodoi is the first newspaper and monthly journal printed in the Assamese language. Published from the Sibsagar Mission Press, it brings news, science, history, and translation to the Assamese nation, starting a new era of print and linguistic identity..."

Sacred Spaces & Architecture

The interior architecture of Central Baptist Church reflects classic Gothic and colonial missionary design influence. From the vaulted ceilings of the main sanctuary to the beautifully preserved wood pulpit and chapel seating, every corner is designed to draw the mind toward the sacred.

The sanctuary hosts regular Sunday worship, prayer meetings, and regional church assemblies, serving as a peaceful haven of spiritual fellowship on the banks of Borpukhuri.

Sacred Art & Historical Entrance

Inside the main sanctuary hangs the celebrated Last Supper painting, depicting Christ's final meal with His disciples before the crucifixion. This painting serves as a focus for prayer, holy communion, and quiet reflection.

The entrance of the church is marked by the historic Red Gate, welcoming generations of believers and visitors to the peaceful sanctuary grounds next to Sivasagar Tank (Borpukhuri). It stands as a symbol of hospitality, open arms, and the long heritage of faith in Sivasagar.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
— John 3:16
Stewardship Through Time

Interactive Church Timeline

Click on any year to learn about key milestones in our heritage.

Foundation on Borpukhuri Bank

On January 26, 1845, American Baptist missionaries Nathan Brown, Miles Bronson, and Oliver Cutter formally founded the church. Located next to the historic Sivasagar Tank, it became the epicenter for missionary work, education, and social progress across the region.

The Arunodoi Press Launch

The mission press in Sivasagar printed the very first monthly Assamese periodical, *Arunodoi*, in January 1846. This milestone is credited with rescuing the Assamese language from institutional suppression, laying the groundwork for a cultural and literacy renaissance.

Launch of the Naga Hills Mission

In December 1872, evangelistic work in Nagaland was initiated. Escorted by 60 warriors from the village of Molungkimong, missionary E.W. Clark left Sivasagar to plant the gospel, beginning a historical movement that transformed the Naga hills.

Diamond Jubilee & Sanctuary Build

The church celebrated its 75th Diamond Jubilee and completed major structural developments on the main brick chapel. Overcoming natural disasters and geopolitical shifts, the congregation expanded its educational and community support ministries.

The 175th Anniversary Jubilee

In January 2020, delegates and representatives from church councils across the globe gathered on the Borpukhuri banks to commemorate 175 years of continuous ministry. The congregation reaffirmed its commitment to local community transformation and outreach.

Sacred Scripture

"I am the way,
the truth, and the life."

— John 14:6

A sanctuary of faith, love, and salvation. As we walk in the footsteps of Christ, our lives are transformed by grace and our hearts find eternal peace.

Living Covenant

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

— Matthew 18:20

Outreach & Stewardship

Supporting Our Ministry

Stewardship is the spiritual practice of returning to God a portion of the blessings He has bestowed upon us, supporting the church's local and regional outreach work.

Tithing & Offerings

Members can securely support our weekly ministry and sanctuary maintenance through tithes and special thanksgiving offerings. Giving envelopes are available at the church office during office hours.

Regional Outreach

Our Mission Board supports native evangelists and community development projects in rural and tribal regions across Northeast India, helping build churches and support livelihoods.

Next Generation

A portion of our general funds goes directly to equipping the Sunday School classes and the Youth Fellowship, providing materials, retreats, and spiritual counseling programs.

By The Numbers

Pillars of Our Faith

A testament to 180 years of faithful community, growth, and mission.

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Year Founded
The oldest Baptist church in all of Northeast India
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Families
Registered member families in our congregation
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Years of Legacy
Decades of shaping Assamese culture and identity

Join Us This Sunday

Every week we gather as one family to worship, learn, and grow together in faith and fellowship.

Find Our Location
Find Us

Visit the Sanctuary

Located on the scenic banks of Sivasagar Tank (Borpukhuri), we welcome you to join our worship study and gatherings.

Worship Gatherings

Sunday School
9:00 AM onwards

Scripture study, drills, and character building for youth and kids.

Sunday Service
10:00 AM onwards

Worship service with biblical teaching, praise, and communion.

Children Church
Sunday at 10:30 AM onwards

Bible lessons, worship, and fun activities for children.

Youth Service
Sunday at 12:00 PM onwards

Fellowship, worship, and growth for teenagers and young adults.

English Service
Sunday at 4:00 PM onwards

Worship, prayer, and fellowship in English.

Friday Fasting Service
Friday at 9:00 AM onwards

Dedicated prayer and fasting for spiritual breakthrough.

Location & Contact

📍 Temple Road, Rongpurnagar (Borpukhuri Bank), Sivasagar, Assam, PIN 785640

📞 +91 75779 86477 / +91 86388 45468 / +91 80115 08878

Church Administration

Executive Board & Committee

The pastoral staff, board officers, and department leaders who guide our spiritual community and administrative ministries.

Pastoral & General Officers
Pastor Biren Gowala
Pastor
Pastor Biren Gowala
Nobin Stafford
Associate Pastor
Nobin Stafford
Roni Smith
President
Roni Smith
Ajoy Kr Bethel
Secretary
Ajoy Kr Bethel
Walson Bennett
Treasurer
Walson Bennett
Women's Fellowship
Santa Smith
Woman President
Santa Smith
ET
Woman Secretary
Edna Theenseen
Youth Fellowship
Uddit Scott
Youth President
Uddit Scott
AT
Youth Secretary
Anurag Theenseen
Sunday School Department
Joyce Kenwar Singha
Superintendent
Joyce Kenwar Singha
Lorence Castle Bora
Secretary
Lorence Castle Bora
Mission Board
BT
President
Bornit Theenseen
Apurba David Pando
Secretary
Apurba David Pando
Deacon Board
RD
President
Raju Dey
Ivan Smith
Secretary
Ivan Smith
Executive Committee Members
Milan Andrew
Executive Member
Milan Andrew
Probin Stafford
Executive Member
Probin Stafford
Deepak Theenseen
Executive Member
Deepak Theenseen
Bipul Singha
Executive Member
Bipul Singha