BY JAMES HARPER, FLORIDA COURIER: More than 30,000 churchgoers are expected to flock to Orlando this weekend for the National Baptist Convention’s 131st Annual Session.

The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. is the nation’s largest Black religious organization, made up of 7.5 million members worldwide, according to the organization’s website.

From humble beginnings in 1880 with only 151 delegates, and in spite of several major splits, the convention remains the largest Black Baptist convention, counting millions of members from churches, district associations and state conventions across the United States and around the world.

The annual conference, called the Annual Session, takes places Sept. 5-9 at the Orlando Convention Center.

‘Solidarity with the Savior’

The National Baptist Convention president is Dr. Julius R. Scruggs, pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church, Huntsville, Ala.

"I am delighted to welcome each delegate and friend to our Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. I am excited and humbled by what I expect God to do through and with each of us," said Scruggs through a statement issued by the Convention.

"I am profoundly thankful to the local host committee, led by Dr. James B. Sampson and a host of capable pastors and lay persons. They are planning for us a memorable and meaningful convention experience.

"Let us be prayerful that God will grant to us safe passage to Orlando, Florida, and also grant to us a Spirit-led session in which His name is glorified because we are in "Solidarity with the Savior" – Jesus Christ our Lord," concluded Scruggs, mentioning the theme of this year’s event.

Election makes headline news

Two years ago, solidarity didn’t seem to be resonating at the Annual Session in Memphis, Tenn., during a contentious election that pitted Scruggs against former St. Petersburg pastor Dr. Henry Lyons, past president of the National Baptist Convention.

Delegates at a 2009 conference voted for Scruggs 4,108 to 924, and awarded him a five-year term. Lyons had been forced out as president in 1999 after he was accused of misappropriating about $4 million from the organization.

Lyons was convicted and served almost five years in prison. In November 2003, he was released on probation and returned to preaching. He now is pastor of a Tampa-area church.

Lyons was succeeded by the Vice President-at-Large, the Rev. S. C. Cureton of South Carolina. Cureton finished Lyons’ term, but did not seek election to a five-year period of his own. Dr. William J. Shaw of Philadelphia was elected the 16th president in 1999 and remained president until 2009 when Scruggs was elected. Scruggs had been Vice-President at-Large during the Shaw Administration.

Daytona, Orlando pastors on program

With Florida hosting this year’s event, many of the state’s Baptist preachers are scheduled to participate, including Daytona Beach’s Dr. L. Ronald Durham, pastor of Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

Durham, along with Dr. Larry Mills, pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Orlando, will be in charge of the first worship service – scheduled Sunday night at 6:30 – at the Peabody Hotel’s Grand Ballroom. The service is open to the public.

Florida General Baptist President James Sampson will give the closing sermon Friday night at the Orlando Convention Center.

Large convention

Each September, more than 30,0000 Baptists convene upon the city that has been selected to host the Annual Session, according to National Baptist website.

"It is impossible to know the attendance because so many people will not arrive until Monday, Labor Day.  However, it is expected that a large portion of the Florida delegation will be in attendance (at the service Sunday), especially those from the surrounding area of Orlando and Central Florida," said Bobby Scarlett, office administrator for the Florida General Baptist Convention headquarters based in Daytona Beach.

"As with any convention, people are expected to register within the various departments. This is how the event is funded.  However, there is usually not a ‘charge’ to attend worship services, but it is expected that attendees will be registered and also support these services with generous offerings," Scarlett added.

For more information about the Annual Session, visit www.nationalbaptist.com.