MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – The 116th annual Holy Convocation is back in the Bluff City, bringing believers together.
It’s headquarters for the Church of God in Christ and a time to honor tradition and bring people closer to God.
“Fellowship when they come, spirituality, budgets, all the things that make a worldwide organization work. So we need all of us here for those purposes,” said Bishop Allen David Hall, a general board member for COGIC.
Thousands of COGIC members all in one place bring a major boost to the city of Memphis.
“It does a lot for the city, they generate so much revenue, for so many businesses and all types of businesses ― the hotels, the car rentals, food chains. So a lot of businesses set up, a lot of vendors are here for the whole week of this conference,” said Vincent Guy owner of Magic Hands Shoe Shine.
Guy’s business has grown over the nearly 30 years; he’s serviced those visiting the city.
“Shining shoes my first job when I was 13 and I fell in love with it, and over the last 28 years, we’ve trained and mentored anywhere from 30 to 50 youth,” said Guy.
It’s not just about the fancy shoes, hats and downtown eats. The Holy Convocation is also a call to action for its members.
Bishop Halls says they’re also trying to get guns off the streets.
“Right now, I’d like to see more attention from the state to this specific thing — not anti-second amendment, no — but if you’re going to carry a gun and now we can do it without any particular state regulation. With open carry, you gotta be responsible,” said Bishop Hall.
Bishop Hall also says he hopes recent discussions with the governor’s office and Memphis’ new gun referendum speak to lawmakers in Nashville.
“Secure it. Discipline. Lock it down. Do the things necessary so that people are not killed or injured with and by people with frivolous use or storage principles or lack thereof, with these weapons,” said Bishop Hall.
The future of the convention returning to Memphis after 2025 is uncertain but Hall says he is pro-Memphis all the way.
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