FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 11/2/2009) They've filled Memphis church pews for over 100 years but now those who often travel to the Bluff City for the Church of God in Christ Holy Convocation are feeling the spirit move them.
"I'm disappointed but you know the Lord is able He knows. We're going to pray about it. We're not going to complain about it," said COGIC member Carolyn Flowers.
"My desire was to move to Memphis because of the church and now the church is moving. So I hate that it',s moving. I look forward to it every year," said Elder Charles Parsons.
Church leaders voted earlier this year to move the 103rd convocation to St. Louis. They'll be taking the over 25 million dollars that usually gets funneled into the Memphis economy with them.
"We have enjoyed our stay in Memphis for over 102 years, however better opportunities have been afforded the church," Superintendent Dickerson Wells.
But, the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau says they're still fighting to keep the convocation in the Bluff City. Right now, major cities are bidding to play host in 2011 and 2012.
"Obviously, we put our best foot forward and our best most aggressive bid that we can possibly do and we'll see what happens," said Kevin Kane of the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
COGIC officials say they're not opposed to coming back to Memphis but will be reviewing all offers. The Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau says its optimistic the convocation will one day return to its home.
"If they go to other cities in 2011 and 2012 we'll, if we have the opportunity to bid on 2013 and 2014 we'll go after that as well," said Kane.
The convocation kicked off today and goes until November 10th. More than 70,000 people from around the world are expected to attend.
- 70,000 In Memphis For COGIC Holy Convocation
- Convocation Moving To St. Louis
- Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau Hoping To Bring It Back
(Memphis 11/2/2009) They've filled Memphis church pews for over 100 years but now those who often travel to the Bluff City for the Church of God in Christ Holy Convocation are feeling the spirit move them.
"I'm disappointed but you know the Lord is able He knows. We're going to pray about it. We're not going to complain about it," said COGIC member Carolyn Flowers.
"My desire was to move to Memphis because of the church and now the church is moving. So I hate that it',s moving. I look forward to it every year," said Elder Charles Parsons.
Church leaders voted earlier this year to move the 103rd convocation to St. Louis. They'll be taking the over 25 million dollars that usually gets funneled into the Memphis economy with them.
"We have enjoyed our stay in Memphis for over 102 years, however better opportunities have been afforded the church," Superintendent Dickerson Wells.
But, the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau says they're still fighting to keep the convocation in the Bluff City. Right now, major cities are bidding to play host in 2011 and 2012.
"Obviously, we put our best foot forward and our best most aggressive bid that we can possibly do and we'll see what happens," said Kevin Kane of the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
COGIC officials say they're not opposed to coming back to Memphis but will be reviewing all offers. The Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau says its optimistic the convocation will one day return to its home.
"If they go to other cities in 2011 and 2012 we'll, if we have the opportunity to bid on 2013 and 2014 we'll go after that as well," said Kane.
The convocation kicked off today and goes until November 10th. More than 70,000 people from around the world are expected to attend.
