Warren churches take part in Holy Convocation

WARREN -- Members of churches from Ohio and other states gathered this summer for the 2026 Holy Convocation hosted by the Ohio Central East Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ.

Bishop David Herron Sr.,.Prelate, led the convocation, which is an annual gathering that attracts worshippers, clergy and guests from across Ohio and Pennsylvania offering a week of worship, biblical teaching, fellowship and spiritual renewal

Bishop David L. Herron Sr., prelate, said the convocation allows churches to focus on their purposes to enlighten and inform.

"We provide a place where families can come to hear and understand the importance of God in their lives. The churches participating from Ohio and Pennsylvania have many shared objectives," Herron said.

He said the convocation's objectives are to show love for God, believe in families, believe in communities and stand on the word of God. Herron said the country has taken many twists and turns.

"We believe the church must step up and prepare all those who have committed to the call of God to try and improve and help and bring Jesus before them to know that he can help strengthen and bless them," Herron said.

He said the week focused on many different themes and topics to prepare people to face different circumstances in their lives.

Bishop Joseph McGauley of Jefferson Memorial Church of God in Christ in Johnstown, Pa., said Herron is the type of leader who offers hope no matter what is going on in your life.

"He always has a word from the Lord that will give you hope. By coming here and taking part we wanted to show our love and support to the convocation. We are honored to be here with God's people," McGauley said.

He was among many guest speakers who took part in the weeklong convocation.

"The word of God lets us know that with unity there is strength. We all come together to strengthen each other because iron sharpens iron," he said.

The Ohio Central East Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction serves churches throughout the region under the leadership of Herron.

Throughout the week, attendees took part in daytime educational sessions and nightly worship services featuring national speakers and ministry leaders.

Participants included area clergy members Superintendent Melvin Howard Sr., Bishop Marvin Moreland, Superintendent Demetrius Beachum, Bishop Vincent Matthews.

Events were hosted at Monument of Faith Cathedral COGIC and Warren First Assembly of God.

Herron said in addition to the spiritual enrichment, the Holy Convocation provided a positive boost to the local economy.

"We are excited to welcome guests from across the region to Warren for this incredible week of worship and fellowship. Our prayer is that every person who attends will leave spiritually renewed while our community also benefits from the fellowship and economic activity this gathering brings," Herron said.