The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC) announce that the largest African-American Pentecostal church in America has chosen to remain in St. Louis through 2016.

COGIC’s largest annual convention, The Holy Convocation, has convened downtown near the world famous Gateway Arch since 2010. During this period, the St. Louis CVC has ranked the denomination as one of the largest conventions that assembled in the destination. Before moving to St. Louis, the convention was held for 103 years in Memphis, TN, the church’s international headquarters.

Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. says, “The General Assembly, the legislative body of the Church of God in Christ, voted to continue to hold our convocation in St. Louis, Missouri.” Bishop Blake also stated, “During the past three years, the Church of God in Christ has brought over 105 million dollars to the St. Louis regional economy. The mayor, city officials and residents have shown the church great respect, warmth and hospitality.  We look forward to returning each November, in the coming years, to this incredible city.”

“The St. Louis community is delighted in the Church of God in Christ’s selection of St. Louis for these additional years,” says Kathleen “Kitty” Ratcliffe, President of the St. Louis CVC. “St. Louis has rolled out the red carpet and welcomed, with open arms, thousands of COGIC Saints … building a positive relationship with the entire voting body. In addition to the extraordinary service provided by the hospitality community, COGIC has been embraced by the offices of Mayor Francis G. Slay, St. Louis City License Collector Michael McMillan and County Executive Charlie Dooley, among others.  COGIC Saints know that they are welcome in our community and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue that welcome in the years ahead.”

About the Church of God in Christ.

The Church of God in Christ is the fifth largest Protestant religious denomination in the United States, the largest African American Pentecostal church in the country and the second largest Pentecostal organization in the world with churches in 60 countries worldwide and an estimated membership of nearly 6.5 million members.

About the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission

The St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission is the sales and marketing organization responsible for marketing St. Louis City and St. Louis County as a convention and meeting site and as a leisure travel destination. In addition, the CVC manages and operates the America’s Center Convention Complex® and Edward Jones Dome.

In Photo From Left to Right:

Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. and St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay