Annual Holy Convocation

Make plans to attend the 64th Annual Holy Convocation - Monday, June 30, 2008 - Sunday, July 6, 2008 in Columbia, SC.

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Click here for videos of the messages delivered during the 63rd Convocation

Scenes from the 63rd Annual Holy Convocation

Opening Consecration Service
Monday, July 2nd

Pastors participate in the opening processional for the Holy Convocation

Elders participate in the opening processional for the Holy Convocation

Ministers participate in the opening processional for the Holy Convocation

Officers of the National Women's Board participate
in the opening processional for the Holy Convocation

Deacons and Officers of the National Brotherhood Board
and the National Youth Board participate
in the opening processional for the Holy Convocation

Elder William E. Smith, worship leader, officially calls the service to order

Saints come to the front of the sanctuary to be anointed by the pastors

Saints come to the front of the sanctuary to be anointed by the pastors

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith offers the Prayer of Consecration

Congregation stands as Presiding Bishop Edward Smith
offers the Prayer of Consecration

Elder William E. Smith leads the congregation in the responsive scripture reading

Saints read along during the responsive scripture reading

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith the candidates
to be consecrated to the office of Bishop

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith officiates
during the Consecration Ceremony for the new Bishops

Candidates for consecration to the office of Bishop
stand before the altar along with their wives

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith gives the spiritual charge to the candidates

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith anoints candidates and their wives

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith anoints candidates and their wives

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith presents the newly consecrated Bishops
their ministerial credentials from the National Church

Bishop Theodore Jenkins of Lugoff, SC gives the welcome and purpose

Bishop-Elect J.D. Williams of Killian, SC preaches the message for the evening:
"The Importance of Demonstrating Priorities"

Bishop-Elect J.D. Williams of Killian, SC preaches the message for the evening.

National Youth Day
Tuesday, July 3rd

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith preaches during the Mid-day Worship Service

The Children's Choir sings during the Evening Worship Service

The National Youth Choir sings during the Evening Worship Service

Congregation worships with the National Youth Choir

Congregation worships with the National Youth Choir

Pastor Tearl Stocker of Williamston, SC rejoices during the service

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith presents a plaque to outgoing National Youth President, Minister John Hawthorne (middle) and National Youth Vice-President, Brother Craig Fulton (left)

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith introduces the new National Youth President, Brother Julius Scott (middle) and National Youth Vice-President,
Brother Ferdinand Hamilton (left)

District Elder Wender Gavin of Tallahassee, FL
preaches the message for the evening:
"The Importance of Committing Our Children to God"

National Brotherhood Day
Wednesday, July 4th

Members of the brotherhood stand for the opening call to worship

National Brotherhood Chairman, Minister Robbie Jenkins, gives remarks

National Brotherhood Choirs leads the congregation in worship

Congregation worships with the National Brotherhood Choir

Minister Robbie Jenkins leads a song of praise

A brother from Denmark, SC gives a testimony

Bishop Theodore Jenkins honors Deacon Marvin Shepard (3rd from left) a member of the Progressive Church in Lugoff, SC and a widower who has raised his children in the church and who is active in his community. His four children stand with him.

Minister Robbie Jenkins presents a plaque to Deacon Shepard

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith presents plaques to outgoing
National Brotherhood Chairman, Minister Robbie Jenkins, and outgoing
National Brotherhood Vice-Chairman, Deacon Leroy Epps

Bishop Smith introduces the new National Brotherhood Chairman, Deacon Julius Williamson, the new National Brotherhood Vice-Chairman, Deacon Solomon Amusan, and a new national board member, Minister James Young

Minister Robbie Jenkins congratulates the new
National Brotherhood Chairman, Deacon Julius Williamson

District Elder Woodrow Willingham of Winnsboro, SC
preaches the message for the evening:
"The Importance of Cultivating Respect"

National Women's Day
Thursday, July 5th

Brother Robert Harrison of St. Petersburg, FL teaches a seminar on health awareness

Elder Earnest Deas of Atlanta, GA teaches a seminar on "Nurturing Giftedness"

Seminar participants dialogue with Elder Deas

Bishop Lang Priester talks with participants in the seminar "Fostering Faithfulness"

Congregation stands to sing the opening song during the evening worship service

Sister Laura Ashe leads the congregation in the prayer song, "I Must Tell Jesus"

National Women's Choir sings during the evening worship service

Sister Callie Gavin, National Women's President, gives remarks

National Women's Choir leads the congregation in worship

Congregation worships with the National Women's Choir

Sister Geraldine L. Scott of Sumter, SC gives a testimony of deliverance

National Women's Board listens to Sister Scott's testimony

Sister Angela Black of Killian, SC leads the National Women's Choir in worship

Sister Rose Stevens of Columbia, SC leads the National Women's Choir in worship

Congregation worships with the National Women's Choir

Some of the pastors and elders worship with the National Women's Choir

Congregation worships with the National Women's Choir

Sister Cynthia Shuler of Columbia, SC gives a testimony of healing

Congregation praises God for Sister Shuler's testimony

Congregation praises God for Sister Shuler's testimony

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith and Sister Callie Gavin presents a plaque
honoring Sister Veronica Anderson for her service to the National Women's Board. Accepting the plaque on Sister Anderson's behalf is Sister Connie Johnson (left).
Sister Anderson passed away on July 12, 2007.

Bishop Smith and Sister Gavin introduce the new appointees to the
National Women's Board (L-R): Sister Rosa Willingham,
Sister Gail Jenkins, and Sister Wendy Beard

The National Women's Choir leads the congregation in a special tribute
in song - "Hallelujah" - to the late Sister Martha Johnson (1925-1996),
who served as National Women's President from 1964 until her death in 1996

Congregation joins in the musical tribute in memory of Sister Johnson

Congregation joins in the musical tribute in memory of Sister Johnson

Congregation joins in the musical tribute in memory of Sister Johnson

Congregation worships with the National Women's Choir

Bishop Paul C. Johnson of Hinesville, GA
preaches the message for the evening:
"The Importance of Encouraging Evangelism"

National Church Day
Friday, July 6th

Elder William E. Smith, National Minister of Music, conducts a
music seminar on Friday morning for clergy, choir directors and musicians

Participants listen during the music seminar

Participants listen during the music seminar

Minister Robbie Jenkins of Columbia, SC
teaches a seminar on "Building A Friendship"

Elder Charles Williams of Fairfield, CA teaches
a seminar on "Instilling Distinctiveness"

Elder Williams interacts with seminar participants

Deacon Robert Dwight, National Treasurer, teaches a finance management seminar

National Adult Choir leads the congregation in worship
during the Friday evening worship service

Congregation during the Friday evening service

Several of the pastors worship with the choir

Brother Alfred Platt of Charlotte, NC sings "I Won't Complain"

Brother Alfred Platt of Charlotte, NC sings "I Won't Complain"

Some of the elders and ministers rejoice as Brother Platt sings "I Won't Complain"

Bishop David S. Johnson of Hopkins, SC
preaches the message for the evening:
"The Importance of Saturating With Scripture"

Many come to the altar for prayer

Bishop Edward Smith gives closing remarks and introduces
Bishop William L. Bonner of the Church of Our Lord Jesus
Christ of the Apostolic Faith

Bishop William L. Bonner, Chief Apostle of the
Church of Our Lord Jesus of the Apostolic Faith, gives remarks

Bishop Bonner embraces Bishop Smith after giving remarks

Bishop Smith and Bishop Bonner pose for a photo after the service

National Church Day
Saturday, July 7th

Pastor Robert Mingo of Jacksonville, FL leads the evening worship service

National Choir leads the congregation in worship

National Choir leads the congregation in worship

Congregation worships with the choir

Congregation worships with the choir

Congregation worships with the choir

Congregation worships with the choir

Sister Laura Ashe of Columbia, SC gives a testimony

Sister Deborah Carmichael of Hopkins, SC leads a solo, "Pure Love"

Candidates to be licensed as ministers stand before the altar with their pastors

Elder Jimmie C. Deas of Florence, SC shares a light moment with his son,
Terrence, before he is licensed as a minister

Bishop Smith presents ministerial credential to Minister Steve Sweet of Atlanta, GA

Bishop Smith embraces Minister Sweet

Bishop Smith presents ministerial credential to
Minister Matthew Pinkney of Atlanta, GA

Bishop Smith presents ministerial credential to
Minister Terrence C. Deas of Florence, SC

Candidates to be ordained as elders stand before the altar along with their wives

Bishop Smith gives the ordination charge to the candidates

Members of the Board of Bishops lay hands on the candidates to be ordained

Bishop Smith presents ministerial credentials
to Elder Sweetie Tagata of Fairfield, CA

Bishop Smith presents ministerial credentials
to Elder Pierre Ahoussi of Tucker, GA

Bishop Smith presents ministerial credentials
to Elder Eddie Black of Charlotte, NC

Bishop Smith embraces Elder Black

Praise Ensemble sings "Encourage Yourself"

Congregation worships with the Praise Ensemble

Elder Ron Donaldson of St. Petersburg, FL
preaches the message for the evening:
"The Importance of Developing Courage"

Elder Ron Donaldon of St. Petersburg, FL
preaches the message for the evening:
"The Importance of Developing Courage"

Bishop Edward Smith makes the altar call and closes the service

Closing Service
Sunday, July 8th

Elder William E. Smith opens the morning worship service

Congregation stands for the opening song

Congregation stands for the opening song

Members of the Board of Bishop listen as the choir sings a hymn

Congregation stands for prayer

District Elder Gerry Bailey of Chesterfield, SC leads the congregation in prayer

Sister Shirley Bell of Denmark, SC leads a solo

Choir sings the sermonic selection

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith announces the appointment of
Elder Ahoussi Pierre (left) as pastor of the Progressive Church in Tucker, GA
and the appointment of Elder Sweetie Tagata as pastor
of the Progressive Church in Fairfield, CA

Bishop Smith preaches the closing message for the 63rd Convocation

Bishop Smith gives the altar call

Altar call prayer

Congregation stands for the closing

Several of the pastors greet each other at the end of the service
and extend their prayers and well wishes for a prosperous church year

Bishop Smith gives the closing prayer

Bishop Smith gives the benediction and closes the 63rd Convocation

Scenes from the
62nd Annual Holy Convocation
July 3 - 9, 2006
Monday Evening Consecration Service
Click here for an electronic copy of the
62nd Holy Convocation Program Outline

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith anoints members of the National Mass Choir
during a time of special consecration for clergy and choir members

Choir members prepare to be anointed

National officers and clergy prepare to be anointed

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith officially opens the 62nd Annual Holy Convocation

Advisory Council members lead the processional of clergy and national officers

Pastors enter the sanctuary in the opening processional

Elders and ministers enter the sanctuary in the opening processional

National Women's Officers enter the sanctuary in the opening processional

National Brotherhood and National Youth Officers enter
the sanctuary in the opening processional

National Mass Choir leads the congregation in an opening song of praise

Congregation worships with the National Mass Choir

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith anoints the congregation

Elder William E. Smith leads the worship service

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith offers the Prayer of Consecration

Pastor Ron Donaldson of St. Petersburg, Fl gives
the welcome address and statement of purpose

Congregation during the Consecration Service

National Mass Choir sings a song of praise

Keynote Speaker - Brother John Hawthorne, National Youth President

Speaker - Pastor Gerry Bailey of Chesterfield, SC
Topic: "The Importance of Preaching the Gospel"

Afternoon Worship Service
Tuesday, July 4th

Congregation worships

Congregation worships

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith preaces the daily message

Bishop Smith closes the day session

Pastor Jimmie C. Deas of Florence, SC teaches a workshop on,
"Parents Bridging the Gap for their Children"

Elder Thomas J. Smith of Columbia, SC teaches a workshop on,
"God's Word on Today's Issues: The Bible: Truth or Fiction?"

Elder Timothy Beard of Mobile, AL teaches a workshop on,
"Successful and Saved"

National Youth Dept. Worship Service
Tuesday, July 4th

Brother John Hawthorne, National Youth President, gives remarks

Children's Choir sings a song of praise

National Youth Choir sings a song of praise

Keynote Speaker - Brother Craig Fulton, National Youth Vice-President

Speaker - Pastor David S. Johnson of Hopkins, SC
Topic: "The Importance of Repentance"

Afternoon Worship Service
Wednesday, July 5th

Congregation sings a song of praise

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith preaches the daily message

Pastor Lang Priester of Charlotte, NC teaches a seminar on,
"God's Word on Today's Issues: Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage"

National Brotherhood Worship Service
Wednesday, July 5th

Congregation sings the opening song

National Brotherhood Choir sings a song of praise

Deacon Robbie Jenkins, National Brotherhood Chairman, gives remarks

Keynote Speaker - Brother Ferdinand Hamilton, National Youth Officer

Congregation

Speaker - Pastor Theodore Jenkins of Lugoff, SC
Topic: "The Importance of Water Baptism"

Afternoon Worship Service
Thursday, July 6th

Elder William Smith prays for saints who have come to the altar

Congregation prays together

Congregation sings a song of praise

Bishop Smith preaches the daily message

National Women's Dept. Worship Service
Thursday, July 6th

Officers of the National Women's Dept.

Former National Women's Presiding, Sister Laura Ashe, leads the
congregation in "I Must Tell Jesus"

National Women's President, Sister Katie McMillian, gives remarks

National Women's Choir sings a song of praise

National Women's Choir sings a song of praise

Representatives of the Richardson Family give a joint testimony
about passing their faith to the next generation

Representatives of the Muldrow Family give a joint testimony
about passing their faith to the next generation

Congregation worships with the National Women's Choir

Keynote Speaker - Brother Julius Scott, National Youth Officer

Bishop Smith presents a plauqe to outgoing National Women's President,
Sister Katie McMillian

Worship Leader - Pastor Sherman Dykes of Gainesville, FL

Singing group from the 1950's - the Harmonizing Five: Sisters Laura Ashe,
Katherine Thomas, Christine Ables, Delores Carter, and Patricia Scott

Speaker - Pastor Robert Mingo of Jacksonville, FL
Topic: "The Importance of the Holy Ghost"

Bishop Smith closes the worship service

Local and National Officers'
Appreciation Breakfast
Friday, July 7th

Officers prepare to eat breakfast

Sisters prepare breakfast for the officers

Sisters prepare breakfast for the officers

Brother Charles Johnson gives the introduction for the first session
of the National Leadership Training Program

Elder Thomas J. Smith teaches the first class of the National Leadership Training Program:
"What is Leadership in the Church?"

Bishop Smith addresses participants in the National Leadership Training Program

Pastor Earnest Deas of Atlanta, GA teaches a seminar on:
"God's Word on Today's Issues: Homosexuality and Same-Sex Marriage"

Evening Worship Service
Friday, July 7th

Sister Callie Gavin of Tallahassee, FL leads the
congregation in an opening song of praise

Sister Deborah Carmichael of Hopkins, SC leads the
National Mass Choir in a song of praise

Congregation worships with the National Mass Choir

Elder William E. Smith leads the congregation in songs of praise

Pastor Robert Mingo sings a song of praise

Brother Sam Berry of Killian, SC gives a testimony on how he was delivered
from being a part of a violent gant

Worship Leader - Brother Sean Johnson of Tallahassee, FL

Brother Alfred Platt of Charlotte, NC sings of solo

Keynote Speaker - Brother Ronald T. Scott

Speaker - Pastor Lang Priester of Charlotte, NC
Topic: "The Importance of Continuing Steadfastly in the Apostles' Doctrine"

A young woman is baptized in the name of Jesus Christ

A young man is baptized in the name of Jesus Christ

Congregation stands for the benediction

Ministers' Wives Guild Meeting
Saturday, July 8th

Several of the pastors' wives pose for a picture

Several of pastors' wives join in group prayer

Evening Worship Service
Saturday, July 8th

Voices of Praise of Charlotte, NC lead the congregation in worship

The Ensemble of Denmark, SC leads the congregation in worship

Congregation worships in songs of praise

Columbia Senior Choir prepares to sing a song of praise

Keynote Speaker - Brother Chaddrick Middleton

The Singers of Killian, SC lead the congregation in worshop

Speaker - Pastor Roy Brockington of Mullins, SC
Topic: "The Importance of Unity In the Church"

Closing Worship Service
Sunday, July 9th

National Mass Choir leads the congregation in the
opening hymn, "All Hail the Power"

Congregation stands for prayer

Congregation worships with the National Mass Choir

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith preaches the closing message

Presiding Bishop Edward Smith preaches the closing message

Altar Call

Congregation stands for the altar call

Congregation stands for the closing prayer

National Mass Choir sings a final selection

Pastors greet each other at the closing of the Convocation

Bishop Smith closes the 62nd Annual Holy Convocation