FAST FACTS:
april.thompson@wreg.com
(Memphis 7/20/2009) The large turn out of pastors is just a prelude to what will come September 7th, when the National Baptist Convention comes to Memphis.
"We do soul winning when we come to Memphis. We win souls for Christ. Secondly, it's a financial impact upon our city," says Convention Co-Chair Pastor Frank E. Ray.
With some 50-thousand attendees expected, it's big money for hotels and restaurants.
In 2004, the Baptist convention in Memphis drew larger than expected crowds and brought in millions.
And after losing the COGIC Convention, this may be the boost the city needs.
"We hear a lot about the COGIC Convention which is the largest in the city of Memphis and I want to impress on you the National Baptist Convention is equal if not that of surpassing COGIC," says Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton.
While COGIC's annual convention, complained of inadequate hotels, the Baptists say they've been pleased, as one visitor told us at the last convention.
"What I like about what Memphis is doing differently than other convention areas, people are not price gouging," said Pastor Bartholomew Orr in a 2004 interview.
If that continues, they could bring their convention, which rotates every few years, back to Memphis again.
"I am almost certain based on how they are treated when they get here. They could come back," says Pastor Ray.
Traffic was one of the biggest problems during the 2004 convention.
But police called out extra workers and urged everyone to practice a little patience.
That will likely be the rule again, especially in downtown around the Convention Center, where the main activities will be held.
- National Baptist Covention coming to Memphis in September
- Convention an economic boost for the city
- Convention organizers say if all goes well, they will be back
april.thompson@wreg.com
(Memphis 7/20/2009) The large turn out of pastors is just a prelude to what will come September 7th, when the National Baptist Convention comes to Memphis.
"We do soul winning when we come to Memphis. We win souls for Christ. Secondly, it's a financial impact upon our city," says Convention Co-Chair Pastor Frank E. Ray.
With some 50-thousand attendees expected, it's big money for hotels and restaurants.
In 2004, the Baptist convention in Memphis drew larger than expected crowds and brought in millions.
And after losing the COGIC Convention, this may be the boost the city needs.
"We hear a lot about the COGIC Convention which is the largest in the city of Memphis and I want to impress on you the National Baptist Convention is equal if not that of surpassing COGIC," says Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton.
While COGIC's annual convention, complained of inadequate hotels, the Baptists say they've been pleased, as one visitor told us at the last convention.
"What I like about what Memphis is doing differently than other convention areas, people are not price gouging," said Pastor Bartholomew Orr in a 2004 interview.
If that continues, they could bring their convention, which rotates every few years, back to Memphis again.
"I am almost certain based on how they are treated when they get here. They could come back," says Pastor Ray.
Traffic was one of the biggest problems during the 2004 convention.
But police called out extra workers and urged everyone to practice a little patience.
That will likely be the rule again, especially in downtown around the Convention Center, where the main activities will be held.
