From Friday 26 to Monday 29 August 2022, Calvary Church of God in Christ (COGIC) UK, one of Britain’s oldest Black Pentecostal churches, will be celebrating its 70th Annual Holy Convocation.
COGIC UK’s leader Bishop Dr. Alvin Blake, who has presided over the jurisdiction since 1998, said: “Our forefathers have left a great legacy of tirelessly working in the community with both young and old, promoting the saving grace of the Gospel to all people. We want to celebrate our heritage this year by looking at where God has brought us from, to inspire the next generation to exceed our achievements and to push towards their dreams and goals ensuring that their faith in God remains central to all they do.”
COGIC UK was founded in 1948 by Mother Mary E. McLachlan. The Church was officially incorporated into COGIC in 1952 by Bishop Charles H Mason, who founded the international church in 1918, (and was the first International Leader of COGIC) when he visited the UK for the World Pentecostal Conference. In 1963, Bishop and Mother McLachlan returned to Jamaica and Superintendent Robert Clifford Bell was installed to continue the work.
The COGIC Choir has played a significant part in introducing UK audiences to the Black Church and the power, and spirituality of gospel music. They were the first black gospel choir to be featured on the BBC TV Songs of Praise programme.
Music will feature heavily in the 70th Annual Holy Convocation weekend. A concert on Friday night will include singing from well-known artists such as: Volney Morgan and New-Ye, Muyiwa and Riversongs, Becca Folkes, Revelation Choir direct from Denmark, Sarah Watson and Samuel Bella.
This year’s Convocation will also feature live worship services, video presentations and contributions from special guests from the UK and overseas. The keynote speaker will be the recently elected COGIC International Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle, Bishop John Drew Sheard. The Convocation will be held at COGIC UK Headquarters, 127 Dunstable Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 1BW.
Find out more about the 70th Annual Holy Convocation and how to attend.