COGIC convention leaving Memphis after 2025

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The Church of God in Christ’s annual Holy Convocation is leaving Memphis again.

The 2025 convention will be held in Memphis, but the event will move to St. Louis for 2026 through 2028.

The convention took an 11-year hiatus away from Memphis but returned in 2022.

COGIC Holy Convocation is a gathering of believers who are members of the largest Pentecostal denomination in the country with more than 6 million members, who are mostly Black.

The event draws tens of thousands of people to the Bluff City each year.

Bishop Brandon B. Porter says the main challenge in Memphis has been lodging, which includes renovations at the Sheraton after the city purchased the largest hotel in Memphis.

Porter says he hopes the hotel situation will be improved by 2029 and the event can return to Memphis.

“We all appreciate the deep history and significance of the Church of God in Christ to our city. While we are saddened by their decision to move the conference to St. Louis, we respect their choice and will continue to honor the legacy they have built here,” Memphis Mayor Paul Young said in a statement.

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