ST. LOUIS -- July 16, 2009 --The St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC) has booked the Church Of God In Christ 103rd Annual Holy Convocation for St. Louis in 2010.
"Hosting the Church Of God In Christ Annual Holy Convocation will help St. Louis fill up even more hotel rooms while boosting our local economy," said CVC President Kitty Ratcliffe. "St. Louis was a really good fit for the church in terms of affordability and the close proximity of our hotels to the America's Center convention complex . We offered the convention group convenience as well as the flexibility for their many members who travel nationwide to this event each year."
The Church Of God In Christ has more than 50,000 members who attend and will use more than 20,875 room nights during the November 8-16, 2010 Annual Holy Convocation, a nine-day spiritual rejuvenation event for the denomination. On average, the Church Of God In Christ Annual Convocation generates over $35 million during its nine-day event.
With an estimated membership of more than 6.5 million, the Church Of God In Christ is the fourth-largest Protestant religious denomination in the United States. 2010 will mark the first time in the entire 102 years of the church's existence that the Annual Holy Convocation will be held outside of Memphis, where the Church Of God In Christ is headquartered.
"It is with the sincerest regret that we are forced to leave our founding city," said Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr. "We care deeply for Memphis and our history there. However, this move is all about our members, whom we love and have to provide the best possible spiritual experience for even during very tough economic times. Hopefully this change will give them financial relief and a great new experience in the city of St. Louis."
"The community looks forward to welcoming the Church Of God In Christ's large and devoted flock to St. Louis," said Ratcliffe. "St. Louis will hit the ground running to ensure their stay is a comfortable, memorable, and enjoyable one throughout their week-long event."
For more information on the Church Of God In Christ, click on cogic.org
The St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission is the official destination marketing organization for St. Louis City and County for visitors of all types. The CVC also operates the America's Center convention complex and the Edward Jones Dome.
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