The Empire Journal Volume 1, Issue 1
VOL.01. N0.1
Empire
A New Vision
A New Direction A Re-newed Hope
The Music Tradition of Empire A Promising Future for the PRESIDENT
President and Mrs. Grant . EmpireRonald Journal
A Publication of the Commission on Media and Technology
Coming Soon!! Empire Baptist
Online Bible College
Use the Internet to expand your knowledge to grow The Empire Baptist Bible College will be an online opportunity for you to take serious courses in the Bible and Theology
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Empire Journal Pastor Ronald Grant President Bishop Andy C. Lewter Publisher Elder Deidrea Sealy Editor Pastor Lisa P. Jenkins Associate Editor Contributing Writers Pastor Elgin Taylor Dr. Patricia Rickenbacker Pastor Lisa P. Jenkins Staff Minister Jahmel Robinson Minister Shanelle Turpin Minister Michael Poindexter The Empire Journal is a quarterly Publication by the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention. We welcome all submissions which become the property of the publication and is subject to editorial revisions. For more information please contact Empire Journal, 2 Monroe Street, Amityville, NY 11701. 631-842-7091 or by email bishopacl@mindspring.com
From the desk of the President Rev. Ronald Grant
A
s always, it is with Jesus Joy that I greet and address this awesome august body of Baptist believers in this, our first of many, publications designed to both inform and enlighten the members of the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention of New York, Inc. First of all, I do commend the newly formed Commission on Technology and Media Ministry, chaired by the Rev. Dr. Bishop Andy C. Lewter, Jr., pastor of the Hollywood Full Baptist Cathedral of Amityville, NY. In our request and effort to propel this convention to new heights in ministry, Dr. Lewter and his competent staff continues to ignite our enthusiasm and arrest our attention as we digitally and electronically “throw out the life-line.� God be Praised! Secondly, through this medium our distribution of this periodic informative digest will be more thorough and expedient, for the benefit of pastors, officers, delegates and supporters of our convention activities. It is indeed our hope and prayer that the information, lecture series, highlights and overall content will be a blessing to you and yours. Please feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions and comments as we work to better serve the Baptist witness, both in New York and globally. In the interim, may the Lord continue to bless and keep you and yours in His Care.
A PUBLICATION OF THE
EMPIRE BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION
Commission on Media and Technology
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By Bishop Andy C. Lewter, D. Min.
A NEW VISION, A NEW DIRECTION AND A RENEWED HOPE
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he election of Ronald Grant to the Presidency of the Empire Missionary Baptist Convention is a classic illustration that faithfulness and loyalty are appreciated and rewarded in the life of the convention. Rev. Grant’s journey to the Presidency began several years ago and has included the administrations of Presidents Elijah Echols, Allen Stanley, Samuel Austin, Robert Dixon, and Washington L. Lundy.
Moderator of the Central Hudson Baptist Association.
President. Grant brings a fresh and energetic zeal to the office of the presidency. The election results would suggest that he has been given a mandate to take the convention well into the 21st century. A simple review of his platform reveals that he is not only introducing the convention to new trends and paradigms, he is also refurbishing current practices to increase Rev. Grant started with the convention as a their efficiency and productivity. musician and steadily moved forward passing through the offices of Assistant This publication is but one of several new Recording Secretary, Recording Secretary initiatives that signal what the future holds President Grant and Vice President at Large. In addition to for the convention. these convention positions, he has also solicits the prayerful support of the entire pastured two convention churches, Shiloh convention constituency as we embark Baptist Church of Tarrytown, NY and upon “A New Vision, A New Direction Shiloh Baptist Church of Hudson, NY, as and a Renewed Hope”Journal 4 . Empire well as having served as the District
By Pastor Elgin Taylor
Devotion, Music & Arts Division
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he Empire Baptist Missionary Convention of New York, Inc. has a rich 116 year music legacy. From it's humble beginnings in 1895 through the present, the Lord's name has been exalted through the medium of music ministry. It remains the goal of the music and arts division to present the opportunity for people to get centered on God. While history was recorded dating back to the 1930's, Lady Elette Dixon served as the longest tenured Director of Music for the convention, along with Mrs. Louise Malone, convention pianist. Both Dixon and Malone are credited with the history of hymns and Negro spirituals in the convention. In later years, the Reverend Dr. Jesse Kitchen served as devotion leader, who introduce the "song service style" to the convention, which consisted of hymns, spirituals and devotional songs. Reverend Elgin Joseph Taylor, Sr., Pastor of the
Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church of Albany, New York has served the convention for the past 28 years as Director of Music. Pastor Taylor, who had the benefit of working in the convention with Dixon, Malone and Kitchen, brings a blend of all genres of sacred music, combined with traditional and contemporary styles. In the earlier years of the convention's existence, camp songs, anthems, Negro Spirituals and the hymns of the Church were prominent parts of the Convention's music ministry. While the face of sacred music has changed, the message remains the same. As the genre of sacred music changes, Pastor Taylor holds fast to the tradition of Empire, while integrating and blending contemporary sacred music (praise and worship) into the ministry. Negro Spirituals and Hymns of the Church have become a dying species, yet during the 5 . Empire Journal
Semi Annual and Annual Sessions of Empire Convention, Taylor raises these genres of music as constant reminders of the heritage of the African American Church. The blend often consists of an old hymn of the Church with a modern day flavor. Empire Convention has existed long enough to see the transition of music ministry evolve from camp meeting worship to historic worship to traditional worship to praise and worship. As Empire moves forward into this 21st century, under the leadership of the Director of Music, the Convention is developing a music and arts division, which will not only focus on the music of the Church, but other areas of music ministry, such as praise and worship, liturgical dance and mime, etc.
While contemporary music/worship is the popular style of worship for this day and age, levels of awareness are being raised to know traditional and contemporary worship are not defined by what songs are sung in worship. It is possible to have a contemporary worship service, with traditional music. The plight of EBMC music division is to develop a "Sunday Morning Blend, keeping the tradition of our heritage, while embracing the day and age in which we exist. Music Ministry is for the whole Church and the ultimate goal is to usher people into the presence of the Lord. It is this communication, in the fullest sense of the word that is the ultimate goal of worship.
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By President Courtni Tolbert
Youth on the Move Mov e
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am admittedly a child and product of the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention. My election as President of the Young People’s Auxiliary is the culmination of a long journey that began first with the Sunbeam Choir of the auxiliary and later director of the Department’s Gospel Choir. I suppose it can be said that I have literally moved up the ranks having served as Assistant Recording Secretary. Recording Secretary, 3rd Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Vice President at Large and now President. Ministry to young people has changed significantly over the last several years. We are easily bored and it takes more than a little to maintain our attention. With this in mind, I approach the task of my Presidency with both humility and determination to make a major impact for Christ in
the “NOW” generation. The acronym for our department has always been YPA which stood for Young People’s Auxil1ary. I now dare to redefine the letters in the acronym to mean Young, Predestined, and Anointed. We follow the baby boomers, Generation X and have been called everything from Generation Y, Millennials, Generation Next, Generation Net and even Echo Boomers. Whatever it is you choose to call us, please know that we are committed to Christ and the affirmation of his Spirit in our lives. Look for our Department to blaze new trails and pioneer new paths as we reach young Baptist all across this state. We are looking to bring in a well known recording artist to our August Rally and intend to present the department with several outstanding speakers. We are excited about our future. 7 . Empire Journal
Dr. Patricia Rickenbacker
Congress of Christian Education ……...Moving forward Isaiah 43:19: “Behold, I will do a new gations. thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in If we were to dissect these two themes, the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” President Grant’s challenge for us is to go forward into fields that have not yet been ur newly elected president of tilled and into future possibilities that are the Empire Baptist Mission- yet to be conquered using technology and ary Convention of New York every resource available to help reclaim Incorporated, Rev. Ronald and build up the Kingdom of God. The Grant has set forth the 2011-2012 theme Congress of Christian Education theme for the convention of “A New Vision, A challenges us that as we go forth in the New Direction and a Renewed Hope”. great work of evangelism, equipping the The theme for both the National Baptist saints and ministry that we do it in SoliCongress of Christian Education and the darity with the mission of the Savior: Empire Baptist Congress of Christian through His Word. Education is “Solidarity with the Savior: Through His Word”. The development As we look to establish the future goals of these two themes epitomizes the chal- and mission of the educational arm of the lenges that are before us as a denomina- Convention, the Empire Congress of tion and convention collectively, as well Christian Education have purposed to as those we face within our local congre- integrate these two great themes into one
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ultimate goal which is to become one of the major driving and equipping forces in our convention, assisting our Pastors and Christian Educators to develop the most effective and relevant Christian Education programs possible in our churches. It is our goal to become “prime enablers” of Baptists across the state, providing educational support thereby maximizing our ability to accomplish Christ mandate to make disciples and transform lives. It is our intent to use all the knowledge and technology that has been placed at our disposal, to accomplish this while working in Solidarity with the Savior and remaining firmly planted in the word of God. This is our goal, however, we realize that whenever one begins to speak about a “New Thing” be it vision, direction or renewed hope, the very idea of “Newness” means that there has to be a “shift” or “change” from what “was” or “is”, to what “shall be” or what “we hope to be.” Herein lies our greatest area of challenge as Christian Educators and Pastors look to the future; that of “managing change.”
My vision as Dean of the “educational arm” of the convention, along with our Congress President, Rev. Norman Coleman is that the Congress, through the Convention Auxiliaries, will provide the skills and training the local church will need most to move our people forward into the 21st century while remaining in true solidarity with the mission of the Savior and God’s Word. We will continue to build on the solid foundation laid by the legacy of our past presidents, deans, and workers, and we appreciate their faithfulness in bringing us to this point. The challenges are great, but we are ready to move forward with “A New Vision, A New Direction, and A Renewed Hope” in “Solidarity with the Savior: Through His Word.” The word says in Isaiah 43:19: “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Remember, we’ve only just begun! SUBMITTED BY: REV. DR. PATRICIA RICKENBACKER, DEAN EMPIRE BAPTIST CONGRESS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
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By Bishop Andy C. Lewter
A NEW DIRECTION; MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY
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ur New President Rev. Ronald Grant has given us a brilliant new theme for the convention which is A New direction, A New vision and A Renewed Hope. I am thrilled to be a part of this new direction as it relates to the specific area of Media and Technology. I am excited about sharing with the convention some of the collective experiences that I have acquired in recent years as it relates to the creative usage of technology as a tool for ministry. While there are several initiatives, I will be working on, in the coming months, let me use this issue and article to discuss with you the renovation and expansion of our convention’s online presence and website.
www.empirebaptistconvention.com some of the items I invite you to review are the brand new pages dedicated to history, leadership, Auxiliary Presidents and Presidential appointments. We have also dedicated a web page to upcoming events and activities of the convention. In the area of media, we have a page that offers non-stop videos of the convention and where live webcasting is available. Rounding out the website is an online DVD store and space for an online Bible College.
Working in tandem with the website are a totally redesigned Facebook pages where videos, pictures and blogs can be posted by the members of the convention. We trust you will enjoy your new website and Face book pages and will look We have recently redesigned the con- forward to our other initiavention’s website with a brand new tives in the future. look and feel that is available at 10 . Empire Journal
By Rev. Lisa D. Jenkins, M. Div.
WOMEN IN MINISTRY: The “ANYHOWNESS” OF GOD
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arlier this year, I was interviewed by Black Church News. The statement was made to me, “As a single mother, you didn’t conform to the standards usually required by those appointed as pastors.” The question was then asked, “How did this impact your quest to answer God’s call to preach the Gospel?” I recall part of my answer resting in the early and quite regular pronouncement of my mother, the late Deaconess Lucy Mae Jenkins. To the inquisitive and willful youngster that I was, I can hear her today declaring, “You’re hardheaded! That what you are! Hardheaded!” And she was right. I was hardheaded. I never understood the word, “no”. Many times “no” made sense, but, oh, so very often, “no” did not make sense to me. And so began the early emergence of a character that would later prove instrumental in
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my ability to enter into the ranks of those who are called to declare the good news of Jesus the Christ, in the midst of a cacophony of “no’s”. Dr. Teresa L. Fry, Associate Professor of Homiletics & Director of the Black Church Studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University calls this early attitude of stubbornness, as characterized by Deaconess LucyMae, the anyhowness. The anyhowness of God is His power making space for life when all around us seems dead. It is the purpose of God to take the most unlikely person and move then out of prison and into liberation. It is this anyhowness of God that enables Black women to utter a word, annunciate who God is, declare saving works, and evidence that they are called by God and God alone. The anyhowness of
God occurs when we acknowledge His sovereignty and He make the most out of the least and the best out of the worse! Although I am in no means equating the female with the least or the worse, I am, however, acknowledging that God is able to smite the societal norms which prevent us from moving forward in the fullness of God’s purpose on a plane of parity, while moving into a paradigm of praxis. Historically, we have lifted up Joel 2:2829 and Galatians 3:28 as supporting texts for the proclamation of God’s word by women. However, I would like to also offer Jesus as our example in John 6:1-15 which serves as a framework of parity, leading to the collective liberation of God’s people in God’s kingdom. After ministering in Jerusalem, Jesus and his disciples journey north on the west side of the Jordan River and wind up at the Sea of Galilee, which he crosses. There he is met with a crowd which he ultimately supplies with nourishment. The interesting and key factor in the journey of Jesus, however, is that he crosses the railroad tracks of his time the Sea of Galilee leaving familiar and common territory to venture into what the Jewish establishment believed to be hostile and unfamiliar territory occupied
by an inferior people. When Jesus (who has power) crosses the Sea of Galilee, he gives the marginalized people access to himself. Again, we are not equating women with inferiority, however, we must admit that historically there has been a marginalization of women in ministry. We must understand that those who hold power, as Jesus did and does, must dare to venture into unfamiliar and often hostile territory so that change, elevation and liberation can occur for the entire Church. I leave you with the words of the late pastor, preacher, professor and civil rights leader, Rev. Dr. Prathia Hall, who when asked about her call to preach the gospel, said, “I stood in the total authenticity of my being—Black, preacher, Baptist, woman. For the same God who made me a preacher, made me a woman. And I am convinced that God was not confused on either count!” 1Johnson, J.R., God’s Call Reigns Above Societal Norms, Black Church News.Com, May 2011. Web. 11.29.2011 s.”
2Fry, Ph.D., Teresa L., A Womanist Model for Proclamation of the Good Fry, Ph.D., Teresa L., A Womanist Model for Proclamation of the Good News, The African American Lectionary, Second Quarter 2011. Web. 11.29.2011
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What is the Empire Journal By Bishop Andy C. Lewter, D. Min.
W
elcome to the inaugural issue of The Empire Journal. This is a brand new publication that is being produced by the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention Commission on Media and Technology. This publication is intended to be a reading journal that will place on display some the writing genius of several officers and members of the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention. First, let me thank our new president, Rev. Ronald Grant, for having the fore-sight and willingness to allow a publication of this type to go forward in the name of the convention. I do believe that what you are reading is an expression of the exciting new direction that our president is taking us.
We begin this journal as a “twice a year” publication with the hope that it will be well enough received by you, our reading audience, that it will rapidly grow into a quarterly publication at the very least. We have solicited from our convention’s leadership essays and articles that reflect their interests, goals and departments within the convention. Over the next several issues, you can look forward to our officers and department heads sharing with you their vision, insights and perspectives on a number of topics that is related to the life of the convention.
Far too often we are force-fed reading material that originates in places that do not reflect or share our cultural agenda. The Commission on Media and Technology is seeking to be more than a camera and a microphone. It is the hope of the commisSome might ask, what is the Empire Jour- sion that we can be the kind of asset that is nal? Let me answer that questions by first both a resource and service to the convendiscussing with you what this publication tion. is not. It is not a newsletter, it is not a bulletin, it is not a program, but rather it is an I certainly want to take this time to thank opportunity for us in the Commission of the members of the commission for their Media and Technology to produce some labor and efforts in making this endeavor a weighty reading material that reaches be- spiritual and general success. To you the neath the surface of religious rhetoric and members of the convention, I petition your discuss matters that are significant and prayers and support as we strive to serve deserve our reading attention. you to the best our ability. 13of. Empire Journal
Wishing you the best in this New Year From THE EMPIRE BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION
Commission on Media & Technology Pastor Ronald Grant President Bishop Andy C. Lewter Director Commission Members Elder Deidrea Sealy Minister Jahmel Robinson Minister Shanelle Turpin Minister Michael Poindexter
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A Promising Future for the
PRESIDENT
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ust weeks into the Presidency of Ronald Grant, he is already beginning to make history. On Friday, December 2, 2011, President Grant was a part of a larger delegation of Baptist who were invited to the White House to have a special meeting with President Barack Obama. On the same day that the unemployment rate in the country significantly dropped to 8.6, President Grant was treated to a series of meetings with department heads and agency leaders in Washington D.C. While the delegation did not see the President
himself, they did have an exchange with several high ranking cabinet members and agency heads who expressed the President’s continued commitment to the faith community. The real purpose of the meeting was to establish rapport and relationship to government personnel who could get something done on the behalf of the faith community. As members of the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention, we are proud that our Chieftain has been acknowledged and included in the listing of new and emerging faces from the religious world.
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Board Meeting Revisted
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n Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at the 2:00 PM hour. Pastor Ronald Grant convened his first official Board meeting of the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention. Those in attendance included parent body officers, area Vice Presidents, Auxiliary Presidents, District Moderators and select invitees who were on assignment for the President. The meeting followed on earlier meeting of the convention’s LLC Board of Directors which allowed the President to give an update on the progress of the convention property located on 125th Street in the village of Harlem. NAME
The Convention Board meeting provided a forum and opportunity for President Grant to further layout his vision and goals for the convention. The meeting was marked by a high level of energy and enthusiasm. Evidence of the attendees support came in the form of a commitment to provide monthly financial support to the convention, to ease the challenges with cash flow in the past. We salute those individuals who have made a pledge and pray that their decision to do so will encourage others to follow suit.
CHURCH
ADDRESS
PERIOD
Rev. John H. Gilmore Rev. Arthur .L. Lewter
New Hope Institutional Baptist Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church
Tarrytown, NY Ossining, NY
Monthly Monthly
Rev. Nelson Dukes Rev. William Morgan
Fountain Spring Baptist Church Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
Bronx, NY Albany, NY
Monthly Monthly
Rev. Richard D. Turpin Rev. Byron E. Williams
Second Baptist Church Baptist Temple
Catskill, NY Newburgh, NY
Monthly Monthly
Rev. Norman Coleman Rev. Eric C. Mallette
Burke Avenue Baptist Church Greater Second Baptist Church
Bronx, NY Freeport, NY
Monthly Monthly
Rev. Shellie Sampson Jr. Bishop Winfred J. Pippen
Thessalonian Baptist Church First Baptist Church
Bronx, NY Deer Park, NY
Monthly Monthly
Rev. Curtis L. Whitney Rev. William Gillison
Mt. Sinai Baptist Church Mt. Olive Baptist Church
Brooklyn, NY Buffalo
Monthly Monthly
Rev. Carl L. Washington Rev. Victor Covington
New Mt. Zion Baptist Church Union Missionary Baptist Church
NY, NY Albany
Monthly Monthly
Bishop Andy C. Lewter
Hollywood Baptist Church
Amityville, NY 16 . Empire Journal
Monthly
EMPIRE BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION 2012 UPCOMING EVENTS
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EBMC CONGRESS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Monday, February 20, 2012 The Saratoga Hilton, Saratoga Springs, NY (51) 584-4000 Room Rate: $112.00 Available Accommodations: Single, Double DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS: January 15, 2012
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EBMC JOINT BOARD MEETING Friday, March 09 thru Saturday, March 10, 2012 Best Western Sovereign Hotel, Albany, NY (518) 489-2981 Room Rate: $85.00 Available Accommodations: Single, Double $10.00 for each additional person (full hot breakfast included) DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS: February 23, 2012
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EBMC CONGRESS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Monday, April 09 thru Friday, April 13, 2012 The Adam’s Mark hotel, Buffalo, NY (716) 845-5116 or (800) 444-2326 Room Rate: $93.00 Available Accommodations: Single, Double, Triple, Quad DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS: March 12, 2012
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EBMC 117th SEMI-ANNUAL SESSION Tuesday, May 08 thru Friday, May 11, 2012 Holiday Inn Hotel, Wolf Road, Albany, NY (518) 458-7250 or (800) 465-4329 Room Rate $106.00 Available Accommodations: Single, Double DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS: April 10, 2012
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EBMC LAYMEN’S ANNUAL CLEMMON HODGES WORSHOP Wednesday, July 18 thru Saturday, July 21, 2012 Rochester Plaza, Rochester, NY (585) 546-3450 or (800)826-2831 Room Rate: $92.00 17 . Empire Journal
Available Accommodations: Single, Double DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS: June 15, 2012 •
EMPIRE BAPTIST YOUTH CONFERENCE Wednesday, August 08 thru Saturday, August 11, 2012 Adam’s Mark Hotel, Buffalo, NY Reservation thru Site Director Registration forms only Room Rate: $89.00 Available Accommodations: Single, Double DEADLINE OR RESERVATIONS: June 29, 2012
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117th EBMC ANNUAL CONVENTION Monday, October 22 thru Friday, October 26, 2012 Sheraton at the Falls, Niagara Falls, NY (716)278-2624 Available Accommodations: Room Rate: $112.00 Single, Double Room Rate: $122.00 Triple, Quadruple DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS: September 17, 2012
NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION USA, INC. EVENTS FOR 2012 •
NATIONAL BAPTIST BOARD MEETING Monday, January 16 thru Friday January 20, 2012 Nashville, Tennessee NATIONAL CONGRESS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Monday, June 18, thru Friday, June 22, 2012 St. Louis, Missouri
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132nd ANNUAL SESSION NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION USA, INC. Monday, September 3 thru Friday September 7, 2012 Atlanta, Georgia
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