MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) voted to keep its 116th and 117th Holy Convocations in Memphis for 2024 and 2025, but it is opening the door to go elsewhere after that.
"We will be exploring and negotiating for other opportunities in 2026, 2027, 2028 and beyond," Bishop Brandon Porter said in a statement.
Porter said this is "Memphis' opportunity to make some changes and improvements" in the areas of COGIC's concerns so it they will stay in the city, but he did not go into specifics about those concerns. In the past, officials have complained about the lack of quality hotel rooms downtown.
Memphis is where the denomination was founded by Bishop Charles Harrison Mason in 1907, COGIC officials said.
The convocation brings up to 25 thousand people to Memphis every year and contributes more than $30 million to the local economy.
Mayor Paul Young and the Convention and Visitors Bureau expressed their desire to keep the COGIC saints in the city, according to Porter.
Recently, perspective buyers of the Sheraton Hotel presented its planned improvements to the COGIC assembly, saying they hoped to implement them as early as Nov. 2024, Porter said.
The Tennessee bishops will meet with businesses to discuss concessions and considerations for the COGIC Memphis delegates, according to Porter.
"We are delighted the Holy Convocation will be held in Memphis, the birthplace of our denomination, for our 2024 and 2025 Holy Convocations," Bishop J. Drew Sheard, COGIC Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle, said. "These gatherings are vital for fostering spiritual growth, renewal and unity within our Church. We look forward to the rich fellowship, worship and impactful discussions that will take place as we gather in Memphis."
Officials said the 116th Holy Convocation will be held Nov. 5-12, 2024.