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A Historic Homecoming: Church of God in Christ Returns to St. Louis for Its 118th Holy Convocation
November 12, 2026 • St. Louis, Missouri
After seven years away, the Church of God in Christ returned to St. Louis in November 2026, bringing thousands of worshippers, church leaders, and delegates together for one of the most significant gatherings in the denomination’s history.
The 118th Holy Convocation, held November 3–10 at America’s Center, carried the theme “Answering the Call,” inspired by Acts 16:9. Under the leadership of Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard, the gathering marked a homecoming filled with worship, preaching, gospel music, fellowship, and community service. STL Argus +1
Returning to a Familiar City
For more than a century, Memphis, Tennessee, served as the traditional home of the denomination’s annual Holy Convocation. That changed in 2010 when St. Louis became the first city outside Memphis to host the historic gathering.
For ten years, from 2010 through 2019, the Gateway City welcomed COGIC members from across the United States and around the world.
The convocation later returned to Memphis, but in January 2025, church delegates voted to bring the gathering back to St. Louis for three years, beginning in 2026 and continuing through 2028.
The return carries economic significance as well. Tourism officials previously projected approximately 60,000 attendees annually and an estimated $83 million in yearly regional economic activity. Those were projections, not verified final attendance or spending figures for the 2026 gathering. St. Louis American +1
2026 Holy Convocation worship coverage. Photo credit: Lawrence Bryant / The St. Louis American. View the original event photographs
A Powerful Week of Worship and Preaching
From early morning prayer to evening worship services, the 2026 Holy Convocation reflected the spiritual traditions that have defined COGIC for generations.
The gathering opened with prayer and continued with messages from prominent church leaders, including Bishop Marcus Ways, Bishop Frank A. White, Bishop Prince E. W. Bryant Sr., and gospel recording artist and evangelist Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole.
During Thursday’s services, Presiding Bishop Sheard taught on the foundational beliefs of the denomination. Later, Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole delivered a message entitled “Don’t Worry, The King’s Got the Next Move.” 118th Holy Convocation +2
The convocation also celebrated gospel music’s place in the Black church. First Lady Karen Clark Sheard welcomed her sisters, the legendary Clark Sisters, during a special gathering, highlighting the connection between the denomination’s musical heritage and the broader world of gospel music. 118th Holy Convocation
Faith Beyond the Convention Center
COGIC’s return wasn’t limited to preaching and worship.
Ahead of the opening services, the denomination partnered with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and other organizations for a community outreach event called Christmas in November.
Families received clothing, toys, household essentials, and other necessities. Lines reportedly stretched nearly three blocks as local residents gathered to receive assistance.
The outreach illustrated the denomination’s commitment to putting faith into action and serving communities beyond the walls of the church. St. Louis American
More Than a Convention — A Homecoming
For many longtime members, returning to St. Louis brought back memories of the years when the city hosted some of the denomination’s largest gatherings.
The familiar sounds of congregational praise, organ music, spirited preaching, and traditional gospel worship once again filled downtown St. Louis.
The 2026 gathering also served as a reminder of COGIC’s remarkable history. Founded through the ministry of Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, the denomination has grown from its roots in the American South into an international church with congregations in more than 100 countries. St. Louis American
As the denomination looks toward its next two scheduled convocations in St. Louis, the historic return of 2026 represents both a celebration of its past and an opportunity to strengthen its future.
For the Church of God in Christ, the message of this year’s convocation was clear: the call to worship, serve, and make a difference continues.
Church House Radio — The Best of Gospel Music, 24/7Listen at WacoIsLive.com.Editorial note: The photograph is credited to The St. Louis American. Obtain permission or a licensed image before republishing the photo on the Church House Radio website.