Meet them in St. Louis

The Church of God in Christ has long held its annual Holy Convocation in Memphis, Tenn. How long? More than 100 years. But come 2010, the historically black Pentecostal denomination will hold its meeting in St. Louis. “Memphis is our home,” said COGIC Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake in a statement. “We love this city, […]

The Church of God in Christ has long held its annual Holy Convocation in Memphis, Tenn. How long? More than 100 years.

But come 2010, the historically black Pentecostal denomination will hold its meeting in St. Louis.

“Memphis is our home,” said COGIC Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake in a statement. “We love this city, but we have been offered a better package that is more cost-effective for the membership of our church.”


The denomination cited several factors, including discounted hotel rates and the ability to hold convocation activities in one facility instead of several buildings.

The Tennessee city stands to lose $35 million in revenue when the convocation _ which draws some 50,000 people _ leaves town.

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported on the decision, noting the disappointment of city officials, who called the meeting “the largest convention on an annual basis in the city.”

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