About Our Church

The Laban Presbyterian Church stands in the bustling heart of the Laban neighbourhood, its crimson steeple and cross rising above one of the oldest Christian congregations in Shillong.

The chapel was built by Mrs. Hughes and Miss A. W. Thomas in loving memory of the Reverend John Thomas, and was opened for worship on 23 April 1905. In October 1911 the building was formally delivered into the custody of the Church. What began as a modest mission chapel has, over more than a century, grown into a large and vibrant congregation.

Set among lush green lawns and flower beds, the church is known for its steeply pitched crimson roof, glass arched windows, russet wooden columns and laminated wooden arches, and carpeted seating with wooden pews — a quiet, prayerful space at the centre of a busy locality. As the congregation grew, the building was enlarged several times, with a major expansion begun on 1 February 1999 and completed on 31 January 2000.

In 2005 the congregation joyfully celebrated its centenary — one hundred years of grace — and continues today to preserve that heritage while serving a new generation. The church stands beside the Laban Presbyterian Higher Secondary School, and its life is rich with worship, teaching, fellowship and a much-loved tradition of singing festivals of hymns and gospel music.

Our Story in Brief

• 1905 — The chapel is built in memory of Rev. John Thomas and opened for worship on 23 April.
• 1911 — The building is formally delivered into the custody of the Church (20–23 October).
• 1999–2000 — A major expansion is undertaken to accommodate the growing congregation.
• 2005 — The congregation celebrates its centenary, one hundred years of glory.
• Today — A thriving congregation of worship, teaching, music and service in the heart of Laban.

What We Believe

We are a congregation of the Presbyterian Church of India, part of the reformed tradition first planted among the Khasi hills by Welsh missionaries. We gather to worship the Triune God, to hear and obey the Scriptures, to pray for one another, and to serve our community in the love of Jesus Christ.