Tiom Baptist Church

Origins and Founding Period

The history of Gereja Baptis Tiom is rooted in the mid-20th century, specifically the 1950s. During that period, the mountainous regions of Papua were still highly isolated from the outside world. The first Baptist missionary missions penetrated the steep valleys of Lanny Jaya through missionaries from the Australian Baptist Missionary Society (ABMS).

The establishment of a mission post in Tiom began intensively around 1956. Missionaries, led by figures such as Norman Draper and Sheila Draper, landed on this highland plateau with small aircraft, bringing a message of peace amidst the then-dominant culture of tribal warfare. The construction of the first church building was carried out through mutual cooperation, involving local residents who were newly introduced to modern carpentry tools. The church building that stands today in Tiom is a development from that initial mission post, which was later solidified as a center for the growth of the Baptist faith throughout the Lanny region.

Architecture and Construction Details

Architecturally, Gereja Baptis Tiom represents a blend of Western functionality with adaptations of local materials. In its early days, the building used wooden frames sourced from the surrounding forests, with corrugated iron roofs specially flown in by missionary aircraft—a construction luxury for its time.

The building's structure exhibits the characteristics of a simple yet sturdy colonial-missionary church. Large windows were designed for maximum air circulation, considering its high-altitude geographical location, where sunlight was crucial for warming the rooms in the morning. One unique fact about the construction of this church is the use of river stone foundations manually laid by the early congregation. To this day, despite undergoing several renovations to strengthen the structure, the aura of simplicity and steadfastness of the original building is maintained as a form of respect for its history.

Historical Significance and Key Events

Gereja Baptis Tiom holds a crucial role as the "Mother" church for Baptist churches in Papua. It was here, for the first time, that the Lanny local language began to be transliterated into written form for the purpose of Bible translation. This event was not only a religious milestone but also a literacy revolution for the people of Lanny Jaya.

In the 1960s, this church became a center for inter-tribal reconciliation. Before the arrival of the mission, the valleys around Tiom were often plagued by bloody conflicts. Through the teachings conveyed in this church, a phenomenon known as "burning of war tools" occurred, where arrows and bows were destroyed as a symbol of peace. Gereja Baptis Tiom also became the site for the establishment of the first mission school and health clinic in Lanny Jaya, laying the foundation for modern education and healthcare systems in the region.

Key Figures and Periodical Relations

The name Norman Draper cannot be separated from the existence of this site. He was not only an evangelist but also a linguist who played a significant role in compiling the Lanny grammar. In addition to foreign figures, local leaders also emerged, such as the first indigenous pastors who were educated directly in Tiom and later spread their influence to the Baliem Valley and Tolikara regions.

During the period of power transition from the Dutch to Indonesia (1962-1963), Gereja Baptis Tiom remained an institution that maintained social stability at the grassroots level. The church served as a sanctuary and information center for the local community as they adapted to massive administrative and political changes.

Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, Gereja Baptis Tiom is recognized as the most respected religious historical site in Lanny Jaya Regency. The local government, along with the Synod of the Baptist Church of Papua, continues to strive to preserve the authenticity of this location. Although a larger new building has been constructed to accommodate the growing congregation, the old building or the original landing coordinates of the mission are maintained as a cultural heritage area.

Restoration efforts are carried out with great care to avoid losing its historical value. Documentation in the form of black and white photographs from the construction period and remaining artifacts from the missionaries (such as an old printing press and early medical equipment) are now being collected for a mini-museum within the church complex to educate the younger generation of Lanny Jaya about their civilization's origins.

Cultural and Religious Importance

For the people of Lanny Jaya, Gereja Baptis Tiom is a symbol of identity. There is a local saying that implies "Tiom is Light," referring to the church's role in bringing education and peace. Culturally, this church has successfully integrated the values of the Gospel with local wisdom without erasing the identity of the Lanny people.

During every major religious celebration or anniversary of the Gospel's arrival in Lanny Jaya, thousands of people from various districts undertake a "long march" or journey to Tiom. This demonstrates that the site is not merely a historical tourist attraction but a vibrant spiritual center. The existence of this church proves that history in Papua Pegunungan is not only about ancient traditions but also about the harmonious meeting of new beliefs with the steadfastness of custom, resulting in a more advanced and peaceful civilization.