One of Britain’s Oldest Black Pentecostal Church Getting Ready To Celebrate Its 70th Anniversary
Calvary Church of God in Christ (COGIC) the UK, one of Britain’s oldest Black Pentecostal Churches will be celebrating its 70th anniversary at their annual Holy Convocation takes place from Friday 26th August 2022 to Monday 29th August 2022 at COGIC UK Headquarters, 127 Dunstable Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 1BW.
The church is currently under the leadership of Bishop Dr. Alvin Blake, who has presided over the jurisdiction since 1998 and had this to say: “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.”
To usher us into the next chapter of our faith, we have invited our recently elected International Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle, Bishop John Drew Sheard to be our Keynote Speaker during the Convocation.
COGIC UK has a rich history. It 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. Superintendent Robert Clifford Bell was installed to continue the work. Under the leadership of Bishop Bell, COGIC UK became prominent not only within the Black Pentecostal community but across all Christian denominations.
The COGIC Choir 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 with the viewing amongst the highest in the programme’s history.
This year’s Convocation will feature live worship services, a gospel concert, video presentations, and contributions from special guests from the UK and overseas. There will be educational workshops, extravagant praise, and empowering preaching over the 4 days.
The concert on Friday 26th August will include singing from well-known artists such as Volney Morgan & New-Ye, Muyiwa & Riversongs, Becca Folkes, Revelation Choir direct from Denmark, Sarah Watson, and Samuel Bella.
This promises to be a wonderful celebration of thanksgiving for COGIC UK’s impact on spiritual and community life thus far. We look forward to celebrating with you.
Written by: Marcia Dixon
