Memphis to Welcome Baptist Convention

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The recent exodus by the Church of God in Christ left Memphis without a major convention and all the revenue that comes along with it. Monday there was an announcement about a different major national religious group coming to Memphis for their convention.

City leaders say it will give Memphis a much needed financial boost.

"The National Baptist Convention is equal if not surpassing the Church of God in Christ," says Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton. "This convention will be of major economic impact tot he city of Memphis."

Organizers estimate an impact of $35 million, mostly in the downtown area. The convention will be held at the Cook Convention Center. Roughly 50,000 people are expected to attend. This year is an election year for the church.

"Which means we will have quite a few more people then normal," says Baptist Pastor Dr. Frank Ray.

The National Baptist Church rotates where its convention is held every year. It was last held in Memphis in 2004, and organizers hope it can come back again soon.

"We need all the financial blessings that we can get," says Ray. "So I challenge our city and all of the people in the city of Memphis to work with us to make sure this is a wonderful time for our delegates."

Even while landing this convention, the mayor says more needs to be done to compete against other cities for attracting conventions.

"I would hope that future mayors of Memphis would continue to have a vision that we need a competitive convention center and we need more hotels," says Herenton.

The convention will be September 7th through the 11th, kicking off with a musical at the Cook Convention Center on the 7th.