COGIC to celebrate centennial

The Arkansas First Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ will have a centennial convocation celebration Monday through Aug. 4 in Little Rock. Bishop Jewel R. Withers Jr. expects more than 2,000 to attend the week-long worship gathering.

The Church of God in Christ, headquartered in Memphis, is the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States and the largest black Protestant denomination in the country, according to the 2012 Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches. According to the denomination’s website, the church has more than 6 million members.

Arkansas is home to four jurisdictions, or districts, of the church. This gathering is for the First Jurisdiction, which includes 130 churches and missions. Withers, bishop of the First Jurisdiction, said Church of God in Christ members from throughout the state will also attend and the public is welcome. Events will be held at the Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, 1322 S. Pulaski St., and at the Statehouse Convention Center, 101 E. Markham St.

The Rev. Charles E. Blake, presiding bishop of the denomination, will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Statehouse Convention Center. Blake is pastor of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles.

The denomination has deep roots in Arkansas. The church’s founder, the Rev. C.H. Mason, was a native of Plumerville. He established the group’s first church in Mississippi in 1897 but is said to have “divinely received” a name for the denomination while walking the streets of Little Rock, Withers said. A plaque in the sidewalk at Eighth and Gaines streets marks the spot of Mason’s revelation. In addition to the founder’s Arkansas ties, Blake, the presiding bishop, is a native of North Little Rock.

Withers said the centennial celebration is all about churches coming together from around the state in fellowship.

“Our major emphasis is praise and worship,” he said. “It’s a good time of fellowship and meeting and greeting the constituents we haven’t seen for a period.”

The convocation will begin with a 12-hour prayer vigil on Monday at Holy Temple Church of God in Christ. The program continues at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church with the Rev. Frank Anderson, bishop of the Second Jurisdiction, speaking. The theme will be “Bringing It Back Home.”

Withers said Tuesday’s program is a chance for all four jurisdictions to come together in worship. "We're bringing everybody back together," he said.

Wednesday’s program will be “A Time of Reflection” at the church and will include a look back at the denomination’s history in Arkansas, with artifacts and video presentations highlighting Arkansas’ First Jurisdiction. On Thursday, Blake will lead a night of praise at the Statehouse Convention Center and Friday will feature “A Night of Pentecostal Fire.” Worshippers are asked to bring tambourines, washboards, cymbals and other instruments.

A “Youth Extravaganza” and time-capsule ceremony will be held 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 3 at the church. The day will conclude with a concert at 7 p.m. at the Statehouse Convention Center.Performers will include the Arkansas First Jurisdiction Mass Choir, Chrystal Rucker, Bishop Richard “Mr. Clean” White, Chosen and more. Tickets to the “Centennial Celebration Concert” are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

Withers will close the celebration at 11 a.m. Aug. 4 at the convention center. Sunday School will be at 9 a.m. Streaming video of all services will be available online at ar1cogic.org.

Religion, Pages 12 on 07/27/2013

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