However, that was a loose translation/adaptation. The first fixed hymn—meaning it had a standardized text, assigned to a known tune, and was printed for congregational use—appears in the , “Kristian Hla Bu” (The Christian Song Book), published in 1907 by the Welsh Mission Press.
After examining historical records—particularly the works of missionary Rev. James Herbert Lorrain (Pu Buanga), Rev. F. W. Savidge, and later indigenous composers like Liandinga (Khuangchera)—the consensus among senior Mizo church historians (e.g., Dr. Lalthangliana, Dr. Vanlalchhuanawma) points to a clear answer. If we ask for the absolutely first hymn text composed in Mizo for Christian worship, most researchers point to a simple, now little-sung line: “Isua Krista chanchin ṭha, min hrilh hle mai che u…” mizo kristian hla hmasa ber fixed
The keyword phrase (literally, “the first/fixed earliest Mizo Christian hymn”) points to a fascinating intersection of missionary linguistics, indigenous tune adaptation, and the birth of a new worship identity. To say it is “fixed” means it moved beyond oral trial into a standardized, written, singable form—most likely in the Mizo (Lushai) language with a stable tune and meter . However, that was a loose translation/adaptation
Within that 1907 hymnal, the hymn widely recognized as (The Very First Hymn) is: Number 1: “Pathian fa Isua Krista” The opening stanza reads: Pathian fa Isua Krista, Kan sual ngaidam rawh min ti; I thisen min tlan chhan a san, I thihna hian min venghim. (“Jesus Christ, Son of God, forgive our sins; Your blood is our ransom, Your death protects us.”) James Herbert Lorrain (Pu Buanga), Rev
The answer lies in a small, brown-covered hymnbook printed in 1907 at the Welsh Mission Press in Aizawl— It may not be the most beloved today, but it is the fixed foundation upon which thousands of Mizo hymns have since been built. Every time a Mizo congregation stands to sing, they are standing on that first fixed step—two simple, powerful, and eternal lines. Further reading: “Kristian Hla Bu (1907) – A Critical Edition” (Mizo Theological Society), and “Mizo Hla Phuahtute” by Laltluangliana Khiangte.