Assam: Margherita's St Margaret Union Church, to mark centenary year in 2031

St Margaret Union Church in Margherita, the oldest and first church in the Margherita Co-District, is set to celebrate its centenary in 2031. 

Established on November 28, 1931, the church holds deep historical and spiritual significance for the Christian community of the region.

Quotations from the teachings of Lord Jesus Christ, including “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” and “Forgive, you will be forgiven,” continue to guide the faith and values of the congregation. On Thursday, January 1, 2026, members of the Christian community gathered at St Margaret Union Church to offer prayers and mark the beginning of the New Year in a spirit of devotion and unity.

Speaking on the occasion, Anil Nag, president of St Margaret Union Church, said the church was established by Italian engineer Chevalier Roberto Paganini in memory of his beloved wife, Margaret. Paganini had come to Margherita to work with the Assam Railway and Trading Company for timber operations, coal mining, bridge construction and other development activities. During his time in the region, he envisioned and constructed a church to serve the spiritual needs of the Christian community residing in Margherita.

Nag further said that after the British left India, the church was closed in 1974. However, due to the dedication and sustained efforts of Late Markus Nag, Late Felix Andrew and Reverend A K Roy of Dibrugarh, the church was reopened in 1984. He noted that the church has since remained an important centre of worship and community life, and will complete 100 years of its establishment in 2031.

At present, around 25 families are associated with St Margaret Union Church. According to Nag, the congregation gathers regularly every Sunday and on special occasions to pray and celebrate together, keeping alive a legacy of faith that has endured for nearly a century in Margherita.