The History of the
New York-New England District Convention
The first annual New York-New England District Convention was held at Bethel Holy Church in New York City, where District Bishop James Bell was the pastor. The theme for the convention was "Attempting Great Things for God -- Everyone Pulling Together For God." The first message was preached by Elder Pearl Hopgood of Waterbury, CT. The highlights of the convention included messages from Elder Katherine Lewis and District Bishop James Bell. On Friday Evening, Elder Albert Thompkins, Sr., who was the then pastor of Glorious Tabernacle Holy Church in Amityville, was scheduled to preach, but because of his poor health, his son, Brother Emmet Thompkins stood in his place. Sunday was a day full of services consisting of a sermon by the Senior Bishop Elmira Jefferies, on what was her first and only address to the New York-New England District. In the early 1960s, Bethel Holy Church had a radio broadcast that would be live at 1:30PM on Sunday Afternoons. The then president of the National Youth Convention, Elder James F. Brown, Sr. preached for Bethel's broadcast that was held at this convention. Bishop Mary E. Jackson, the then Vice President of Mt. Sinai ministered on Sunday afternoon, and Bishop Charles H. Stevens, the then District Bishop of the Mid-Atlantic District ministered on Sunday Evening. This was the first and only convention where the then senior bishop of Mt. Sinai, Bishop Elmira Jeffries addressed the New York-New England District. She went home to be with the Lord less than one year later.
​
1964 - The 2nd New York-New England District Convention was held at Holy Mt. Zion Church in Roxbury, MA, where Elder Katherine (K.C.) Lewis was the pastor. This convention marked the first of many times Pastor K.C. Lewis and Holy Mt. Zion Church hosted the district convention. Pastor Lewis was a self-sacrificing servant of God who had a wonderful gift of hospitality. On Sunday Morning, Bishop Mary E. Jackson addressed the New York-New England District as the newly-elected president of Mt. Sinai for the first time. Bishop Charles Stevens closed out the convention for the second year in a row on Sunday evening.
​
1965 - The 3rd New York-New England District Convention returned to Bethel Holy Church in New York City. The highlights of the convention featured messages from Elder Arizona Cox, District Bishop James Bell, and the then District Bishop of the Southern District, Bishop Annie Chamblin.
​
1966 - The 4th New York-New England District Convention was held at the Full Gospel Church in Brockton, MA, where the pastor was Elder Bessie Phelmore. The highlights of this convention included messages preached by Elder Viola Moultrie of Full Gospel Church in Brockton, MA; Elder Charlotte Smith of Mt. Sinai Holy Church in Roosevelt, NY, District Bishop James Bell, and Elder Adell McIntyre, pastor of Mt. Sinai Holy Church in Taunton, MA. On Sunday Morning, Bishop Annie Chamblin stood in place of Bishop Jackson to address the New York-New England District.
​
1967 - The 5th New York-New England District Convention was held at Morning Star Holiness Church in Brooklyn, NY, where Elder Thomas Smiling was the pastor. Elder Bessie Phelmore, who pastored Full Gospel Church in Brockton ministered on Friday Evening. She went home to be with the Lord later that year.
​
1968 - The 6th New York-New England District Convention was held at Straight Street Holy Church in Springfield, MA, where the pastor was Elder Albert Johnson. The guest preacher for the Friday Evening Service was Elder A.B. Gaines, a former member of Bethel Holy Church, and was then pastoring a church in Tenille, GA. Bishop Annie Chamblin brought the Sunday morning message. On Sunday Evening, Elder Charles Crenshaw, a minister from California closed out the convention.
​
1969 - The 7th New York-New England District Convention was held at Bethel Holy Church in New York City. The convention featured powerful messages from Elder Albert Johnson of Springfield, MA; Bishop Charles Stevens, Elder Arizona Cox, Elder Nathaniel Williams, and District Bishop James Bell.
​
1970 - The 8th New York-New England District was held at Full Gospel Church in Brockton, MA, where the new pastor was Elder Nathaniel Williams. Bishop Jackson addressed the New York-New England District on Sunday Morning. Bishop Chamblin preached for the Sunday Afternoon Service.
​
1971 - Bethel Holy Church in New York City hosted the 9th Annual New York-New England District Convention. On Saturday Evening, Bishop James Bell preached during a special ordination service. The following became ordained elders: Charlotte Hedges, Arthur Hamp, Mattie Gilliam, and Pierce Gilliam, all of whom were from the Long Island area. Closing out the convention was Minister Oree McClain of Buffalo, NY.
​
1972 - The New York-New England District made its very first trip to Western New York as the 10th Annual District Convention would be held at Full Gospel Church in Buffalo, NY. This offered the opportunity for many to visit the scenic Niagara Falls in Canada. The highlights of this convention included messages preached by Elder Joseph Bell, Sr., Elder K.C. Lewis, Bishop James Bell, and Elder Thomas Smiling.
​
​
​
1974 - The 12th New York-New England District Convention was held at Straight Street Holy Church in Springfield, MA. One of the higlights of the convention included a memorable message preached by the then Elder Joseph Bell, Sr. entitled, "Living On Straight Street."
​
1975 - The 13th Annual New York-New England District Convention convened at Bethel Holy Church in New York City. The final service of the convention was a Sunday evening service in which the speaker was the National Usher, the then Evangelist Florence Pugh.
​
1976 - The 14th New York-New England District Convention marked the first time that any district convention was held in a hotel. It also marked the first time the District held its convention in the state of Connecticut. The convention was held at the Caravan Hotel in Hartford, CT, and was hosted by Jerusalem Holy Church in Hartford, CT.
​
1977 - The 15th New York-New England District Convention was held at Zion Temple in Boston, MA, where Elder Paul McKoy was the pastor. For many people in attendance, this was the last time they would hear Bishop Annie Chamblin preach. Bishop Chamblin was the presiding prelate of the Southern District at the time, and she went home to be with the Lord later that same year.
​
1978 - The 16th New York-New England District Convention was held at Holy Mt. Zion Church in Boston, MA, where Bishop K.C. Lewis was the pastor. Originally, Elder Thomas Smiling (pastor of Morning Star Holy Church in Brooklyn) was scheduled to preach on Friday Evening. Due to his poor health, his assistant, Elder Augustus Finney stood in his place.
​
1979 - The 17th New York-New England District Convention was held at Bethel Holy Church in New York City. This convention featured an outdoor evangelistic service conducted in the park across the street from the church. The service was conducted by Evangelist Julia Kendrick, who was then a member of Bethel Holy Church. The speaker of the service was Elder William Caldwell, Sr. of Salem, NJ.
​
1980 - The 18th New York-New England District Convention was held at Full Gospel Church in Brockton, MA. One of the highlights of the convention featured a message preached by Elder Leonard Williams, the then pastor of Zion Holy Church in Newark, NJ.
​
1981 - Miracle Revival Center of Amityville, NY served as the meeting place for the 19th New York-New England District Convention. Elder Albert Thompkins was the pastor. The convention marked the first and only time the NY-NE district Convention ever had a late night service on Saturday Night. The service featured a musical concert that featured a gospel quartet, "The Loving Brothers", and a young man named Donnie McClurkin. Donnie, who grew up in Bethel Holy Church, is a world renown Gospel recording artist and evangelist. He is the pastor of Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, NY.
​
1982 - The 20th New York-New England District Convention was held at Holy Mt. Zion Church in Boston, MA. Bishop K.C. Lewis was the host pastor.
​
1983 - The Holiday Inn in downtown Buffalo, NY served as the site for the 21st New York-New England District Convention. Full Gospel Church of Buffalo served as the host church. This convention was the second and last convention held in the city of Buffalo. Many were given the chance to visit Niagara Falls during our convention for the last time.
​
1984 - The 22nd New York-New England District Convention was held at the Parkview Hilton Hotel in Hartford, CT. The Lord blessed the convention despite a difficult beginning, Bishop Charlotte Smith, pastor of Mt. Sinai Holy Church of Roosevelt, NY went home to be with the Lord on the first day of the convention.
​
1985 - The 23rd New York-New England District Convention was held at Zion Holy Temple in Boston, MA, where Elder Paul McKoy was the pastor. During the Sunday morning service, the Lord called Sister Bessie Williams home to be with Him. Sister Bessie Williams was a faithful member of Bethel Holy Church in New York City.
​
1986 - The 24th New York-New England District Convention marked the very last time the convention would be held at Bethel Holy Church in New York City. The highlights of the convention included messages preached by Bishop Joseph Bell, Sr., Bishop Nathaniel Williams, and Bishop James Bell. Bishop Amy B. Stevens, who was president of Mt. Sinai at the time, preached her annual message and it was incorporated into Bethel's weekly radio broadcast.
​
1987 - The New York-New England District celebrated 25 years of Christian service in Boston, MA at Holy Mt. Zion Church. The convention featured a Saturday afternoon service aboard the ocean liner, The Spirit of Boston. The speaker for the service was Elder Otis Singleton, from Mt. Sinai Holy Church in Taunton, MA. Following the service, the convention delegates enjoyed a lobster dinner over the waters of the Boston Harbor. On Saturday evening, District Bishop James Bell addressed the convention for the twenty-fifth consecutive year.
​
1988 - The 26th New York-New England District Convention marked the first of a series of conventions held at a hotel in Stamford, Connecticut, located on 2701 Summer Street. The convention was held at the Westin Stamford Hotel. Elder Donnie McClurkin was the keynote speaker for the first annual District Fellowship Breakfast on Saturday Morning. The breakfast also featured ministry in song from the McClurkin Family. On Saturday evening, Bishop James Bell, at 80 years old, addressed the convention for the last time.
​
​
1989 - The 27th New York-New England District Convention was held at 2701 Summer Street, Stamford, CT, which had just been renamed the Radisson Tara Hotel. The highlights of the convention featured messages from Elder Mattie Gilliam from Freeport, NY, Elder Cardella Jackson from New York City, and Elder Albert Thompkins, Jr., who preached his final message to the New York-New England District at this convention. The speaker for the Saturday Morning Prayer Breakfast was Minister William Caldwell, Jr. Music was rendered by the Caldwell Family. During the Saturday Morning Service, the Gospel Fellowship Workshop Singers ministered in song. The Gospel Fellowship Ensemble was a youth choir based in Bethel Holy Church in New York City, but was open to all of the young people in the district. The ensemble launched a recording project in December of 1989.
​
1990 - The 28th New York-New England District Convention was hosted by Elder Walter Williams and Holy Mt. Zion Church in Boston, MA, and was held at the Lowell Hilton Hotel in Lowell, MA. During the convention, special tribute was paid to Bishop James Bell who went home to be with the Lord one month prior. The guest speaker for the Saturday Morning Prayer Breakfast was world renown musician, composer, and minister, Dr. Richard Allen Farmer. On Saturday Evening, the Board of Directors of Mt. Sinai installed Bishop Joseph Bell as the new Presiding Bishop of the District.
​
1991 - The 29th New York-New England District Convention returned to the Radisson Tara Hotel in Stamford, CT. During all of the Mt. Sinai District Conventions in 1991, the districts honored the centennial observance of the birth of the founder of Mt. Sinai, Bishop Ida Robinson. On Saturday Morning, Bishop Robinson's daughter, Pastor Ida Robinson ministered to the convention. Dr. Harold Dean Trulear of the New York Theological Seminary gave a scholarly presentation of Bishop Robinson and her contributions to Christendom. Our special guests for the Saturday Afternoon Service were the Mid-Atlantic District. Bishop Josephine Jones, who was the presiding prelate of the Mid-Atlantic District at the time was scheduled to preach, but Elder James Odell White from Wilmington, DE stood in her place.
​
1992 - The New York-New England District celebrated its 30th Anniversary at the Radisson Tara Hotel in Stamford, CT. During the convention, the district also recognized the 60th Anniversary of Bethel Holy Church. In keeping with the 30th Anniversary of the District, a special commemorative journal of church histories, convention summaries, and greetings from the members of the various churches of the district was compiled.
​
1993 - The 31st New York-New England District Convention convened at the Radisson Tara Hotel in Stamford, CT. On Friday Evening, we were favored with ministry in song from The Psalmists of Long Island. On Saturday Afternoon, our special guests for the Inter-Faith Fellowship Service were Elder Barbara Amos and her congregation from Faith Deliverance Christian Center in Norfolk, VA. This convention was the last convention in which we were blessed by the music ministry of our district musician, Minister Micaiah Gilliam. Minister Gilliam went home to be with the Lord in September, 1994.
​
1994 - The 32nd New York-New England District Convention was held at the Radisson Tara Hotel in Stamford, CT. This convention was best remembered for the mighty move of God that took place throughout the convention despite the services being held in a smaller meeting space. The convention featured daytime teaching sessions from the then Minister Joseph Bell, Jr. and evening teaching sessions from Bishop Kenneth Coward. On Thursday Evening, The newest pastor in the district, Pastor Elena Mayfield her congregation from Tabernacle of Praises in Amityville, NY opened up the convention. On Saturday Afternoon, our guests for the Inter-District Service were Elder H. Eugene Bellinger and the Great Lakes District. This was the first year that Brother Samuel "Willie" Phipps and Deacon Michael Pernell worked with the New York-New England District Choir.
​
1995 - The 33rd New York-New England District Convention was held at the Tara Stamford Hotel in Stamford, CT. The convention featured a workshop entitled, "The Family In The 90s", conducted by Sister Sheila Edwards from Roosevelt, NY. The Saturday Prayer Breakfast and Morning Service featured ministry in song from Minister Maharold Peoples from Bethel Gospel Assembly in New York City, and Gospel Recording Artist, Michelle Sweeting. Our special guests for the Saturday Afternoon Service were Pastor Robert Winley of the Soul Saving Station for All Nations in New York City.
​
1996 - The 34th New York-New England District Convention was held at the Tara Stamford Hotel in Stamford, CT. The convention saw the debut of a short-lived district sub-choir, the Long Island Ensemble. The convention also featured a Gospel Music Workshop on Friday Afternoon, open to all of the young people in the district. The featured soloists for this year's convention included Brother Kevin Caldwell and Sister Stephanie Everett. Our special guests for the Saturday Afternoon Service were Bishop Grace Ruth Batten and her congregation from Mt. Zion Holy Church in Milton, DE.
​
1997 - The New York-New England District celebrated its 35th Anniversary at the Tara Stamford Hotel in Stamford, CT. On Thursday Evening, memorials for all of the pastors in Massachusetts were presented. Our guests for that service were Bishop Nathaniel Williams and his congregation from Brockton, MA. On Friday Evening, memorials for all of the pastors in New York were presented. On Saturday Morning, memorials for Bishop Katherine Lewis and Bishop James Bell were presented. A reunion choir of all of the former members of the New York-New England District Choir sang on Friday Evening and Saturday Morning. Our special guests for the Inter-District Fellowship Service on Saturday Afternoon were Bishop John Emmanuel Holland and the Southern District of Mt. Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc. People came as far south as Virginia, The Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida, and as far north as Massachusetts to join us for our 35th Anniversary Celebration.
​
1998 - The 36th New York-New England District Convention was held at the Tara Stamford Hotel in Stamford, CT. On Friday Afternoon, Bishop Joseph and Elder Minerva Bell, who were one month shy of celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary conducted a special marriage seminar for all of the married couples in attendance. Also on Friday, Elder Minerva Bell conducted the very first District Children's Church, which led to the debut of the New York-New England District Children's Choir on Saturday Morning. Our guests for the Saturday Afternoon Service were Bishop Helen Gillis and her congregation from Cape Charles, VA. This convention was the very last convention held at 2701 Summer Street in Stamford, under the name "The Tara Hotel". The Tara would be renamed the "Sheraton Stamford Hotel" two weeks after the convention.
​
1999 - The 37th New York-New England District Convention was held at the new Sheraton Stamford Hotel. Bishop Lawrence Taylor, pastor of the Fountain of Deliverance Outreach Ministries in Richmond, VA opened up the convention on Thursday Evening. This convention saw the debut of several district sub-choirs. The New York-New England District Senior Choir and Communion Choir sang on Thursday Evening. The New York-New England District Male Chorus and Women's Choir sang on Friday Evening, and the District Children's and Youth Choirs sang on Saturday Morning. Our guests for the Saturday Afternoon Service were the Pennsylvania-New Jersey District of Mt. Sinai Holy Church of America. Bishop Amy B. Stevens preached twice at this convention. She preached as the presiding prelate of the Pennsylvania-New Jersey District on Saturday Afternoon, and then as the Senior Bishop of Mt. Sinai on Sunday Morning, in which she delivered her final message to the New York-New England District. During her message, Bishop Stevens prophesied that her time was coming. Bishop Stevens went home to be with the Lord on September 14, 2000.
​
2000 - The 38th New York-New England District Convention was held at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel. Our guests for the Saturday Afternoon Service were Bishop Charles Williams and his congregation from the United Evangelistic Church of Philadelphia, PA. Bishop Joseph Bell preached twice at this convention. He stood as the District Bishop of the New York-New England District on Saturday Evening; then he stood in place of Bishop Stevens on Sunday Morning.
​
2001 - The 39th New York-New England District Convention was held at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel. The Men & Women's Choirs ministered in song for the last time on Friday Evening. On Saturday Afternoon, Bishop Kenneth Robinson, the then vice president of the United Holy Church of America (UHC) and the Northern District of the UHC were our special guests. People came in buses from Philadelphia, New York, Northern and Southern New Jersey to join the fellowship. On Saturday Evening, the New York-New England District Choir did a live recording to mark their 40 years of music ministry. On Sunday Morning, Bishop Joseph Bell, Sr. addressed the district as the newly-elected president of the Mt. Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc. for the first time.
​
2002 - The New York-New England District celebrated its 40th Anniversary at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel in Stamford, CT. The "newest" pastor in the district, Elder Lomax Bland, preached for the first time on Friday Morning. On Friday Evening, the district honored Elder William Polk, who was the longest-running pastor in the district. On Saturday Morning, Elder Donald Outerbridge, who was the adjutant general of the United Holy Church of America, preached for the Saturday Morning Prayer Breakfast and the Saturday Morning Service. Our guests for the Saturday Afternoon Service were Bishop Lawrence Taylor and his congregation from the Fountain of Deliverance Outreach Ministries of Richmond, VA. This convention saw the debut of the District Choir's recording project, Elder Joseph Bell, Jr. presents the New York-New England District Choir.
​
2003 - The 41st New York-New England District Convention was held at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel in Stamford, CT. On Saturday Morning, Dr. Harold Dean Trulear ministered to the convention. He was accompanied by a community outreach choir from Philadelphia, PA. Bishop Grace Ruth Batten and the entire Mid-Atlantic District of Mt. Sinai were our special guests on Saturday Afternoon.
​
2004 - The 42nd New York-New England District Convention was held at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel in Stamford, CT. Bishop Thomas J. Martin, Jr. and his congregation from Mt. Olive Holy Temple in Philadelphia, PA opened up the convention on Thursday Evening. Elder James Odell White conducted the prayer clinic. On Saturday, Elder White's daughter, Minister Diane White, along with Elder Yohance Lee from Richmond, VA; and Elder James Faggins from Wildwood, NJ ministered to the convention for a special inter-district service in recognition of the 80th Anniversary of the Mt. Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc.
​
2005 - Bishop A. Ralph Johnson of Ebenezer Ministries Worldwide, Stamford, CT, opened up the 43rd New York-New England District Convention which was held at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel in Stamford, CT. Elder James Faggins conducted the prayer clinic. Elder William Caldwell from Salem, NJ ministered on the Saturday Morning Youth Service. Elder Frederick Gilliam from Michigan was the special guest for Saturday Afternoon. The guest psalmist for the Saturday Afternoon Service was Gospel Recording Artist, Sister Bertha Underwood Morgan from LGR Records.
​
2006 - The 44th New York-New England District Convention was held at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel in Stamford, CT. Elder James Faggins conducted the prayer clinic for the second year in a row. On Saturday Morning, Sunday Best finalist, Elder Goldwire McClendon ministered in song. On Saturday Afternoon, a different inter-district service format was used featuring Elder Oakley Wright of Berwyn, PA; Elder Betty Johnson of Philadelphia, PA; and Elder Elmer Bratten of Dover, DE.
​
2007 - The 45th New York-New England District Convention was held at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel in Stamford CT. Elder Minerva Bryant from Jacksonville, FL conducted the District Prayer Clinic. Our guests for the Inter-District Fellowship Service on Saturday Afternoon were Bishop Grace Ruth Batten and the Mid-Atlantic District of Mt. Sinai Holy Church. This convention marked another milestone for the New York-New England District. On the occasion of the forty-fifth year, the district pastors underwent a rededication ceremony presided by Bishop Joseph Bell.
​
2008 - The 46th New York-New England District Convention marked the last time the convention would be held at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel. Elder Minerva Bryant conducted the convention prayer clinic. On Saturday Morning, our guest speaker for the Youth Service was Evangelist Syeda Woods of Salem, NJ. Our guests for the Saturday Afternoon Service were Elder Donald Fonville and his congregation from Mt. Zion Holy Church in Richmond, VA. On Saturday Evening, honorary doctorates were bestowed on Bishop William Polk, Bishop Minerva Bell, and Bishop Joseph Bell, Sr. for their many years of ministry. Dr. Harold Dean Trulear delivered the keynote address and Dr. Alfred Phillipps of the Anointed By God Alliance and Seminary conferred the degrees.
​
2009 - The 47th New York-New England District Convention marked the end of the nineteen years of our district conducting its convention at 2701 Summer Street, which had been renamed the "Stamford Plaza Hotel & Conference Center" earlier that year. The convention prayer linic was conducted by Elder Patricia Tellison of Philadelphia, PA. The convention featured workshops on parenting and financial planning, respectively, conducted by Evangelist Antoine and Sister Katherine Glass of Bethel Holy Church in New York City. Our special guests for the Saturday Afternoon Service was Bishop Helen O. Gillis, Presiding Prelate of Mt. Sinai Gospel Tabernacle of Christ Deliverance, Inc., Fairview, VA
​
2010 - The 48th New York-New England District Convention was held at the Marriott Stamford Hotel & Spa for the first time. This convention marked the last time that our district would be blessed by the powerful prayer and healing ministry of Elder Edna Hawkins of Philadelphia, PA. For many years, Elder Hawkins would conduct prayer services on Friday Afternoon of the District Convention, and many people testified of being healed, delivered, and set free as a result of her ministry on Friday Afternoons down through the years. Our special guests for the Saturday Afternoon Service were Bishop D. Elaine Harris and the Pennsylvania-New Jersey Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.
​
2011 - The 49th New York-New England District Convention was held at the Marriott Stamford Hotel & Spa. This convention is best remembered for Hurricane Irene which hit the northeast during the convention. Despite that, the Lord protected the saints and blessed the convention. Our special guests for the Saturday Afternoon Service were Bishop Grace Ruth Batten and the Mid-Atlantic District.
​
2012 - The New York-New England District celebrated its Golden Anniversary at the Marriott Stamford Hotel & Spa. In keeping with the 50th Anniversary of the District, Bishop Joseph Bell, Sr. delivered an opening address on Thursday Evening of the convention. On Friday Morning, a powerful prayer service was conducted by Bishop James Odell White, Elder Minerva Bryant, and Elder Patricia Tellison, all of whom conducted the District Prayer Clinic in the past ten years. On Friday Evening, the New York-New England District Reunion Choir, under the direction of Brother Greg Glass of Boston, MA, and Sister Beverlee Bell ministered in song, and sang one song from each decade. On Saturday Morning, a 50th Anniversary Breakfast was held. The speaker for the breakfast was Evangelist Yvonne Singleton of Taunton, MA. Our special guests for the Inter-District Fellowship Service was Bishop John Emanuel Holland and the Southern District of the Mt. Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc.
​
2013 - The 51st New York-New England District Convention convened at the Marriott Stamford Hotel & Spa in Stamford, CT. Bishop Lawrence Taylor opened up the convention on Thursday Evening. Friday was a day full of workshops entitled, "Strengthening the Church's Culture: The Praying Church (Conducted by Elder Patricia Tellison); The Praising Church (conducted by the Fonville Brothers of Richmond, VA); and The Studying Church (conducted by Sister A. Elmira Webb). On Friday Evening, Elder Yvonne Singleton preached a very powerful message. Elder Minerva Bryant was the speaker for the Saturday Morning Fellowship Breakfast. Our guests for the Saturday Afternoon Service were Elder Clarence Wright and his congregation from Zion Holy Church, Newark, NJ. The Saturday afternoon service saw the debut of a new and improved New York-New England District Youth Choir, comprised of some of the children and teenagers of the various churches throughout the district.
​
2014 - The 52nd New York-New England District Convention was held at the Marriott Stamford Hotel & Spa in Stamford, CT. The theme of this year's convention was "Preparing For Rain: Anticipating The Mighty Move of God." Friday was a day full of workshops entitled "Preparing For Rain In our Finances (conducted by Bishop D. Elaine Harris); In Our Churches (Elder Sharon Belk); and In Our Families (conducted by Elder Minerva Bryant during the Saturday Morning Fellowship Breakfast). The guest speaker for the Friday Evening Service was Elder Betty McKoy of Boston, MA.
​
2015 - The 53rd New York-New England District Convention marked the end of our short stay at the Marriott Stamford Hotel & Spa. On Saturday Morning, a celebratory breakfast was held in honor of Bishop Joseph Bell, Sr., who was celebrating his 25th Anniversary as the Presiding Prelate of the New York-New England District. The guest preacher for the Saturday Afternoon Service was Elder Sharon W. Belk, pastor of Mt. Nebo Holiness Church in Ramseur, NC. Also during that service, special tribute was paid to Elder Brenda Gilliam of Jerusalem Pentecostal Temple who went home to be with the Lord one month prior to the convention. On Saturday Evening, an impromptu musical service was held. The service featured ministry in song from Minister Marquez Cassidy, Minister Elaine Janell McIver, the New York-New England District Youth Choir, the New York-New England District Choir, as well as other young people throughout the district. On Sunday Morning, the Lord gave Bishop Joseph Bell enough strength to stand and deliver his final message to the New York-New England District. Bishop Bell went home to be with the Lord later that same year.
​
2016 - The 54th New York-New England District Convention was held at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel, 700 East Main Street, Downtown Stamford, CT for the first time. The newest pastor in the district, Elder Shirley Joseph opened up the convention on Thursday Evening. Friday was a day full of workshops for men, women, and young people respectively. On Saturday Afternoon, a special service honoring Bishop Joseph Bell, Sr. was held. The speaker for this service was Reverend Dr. Richard Allen Farmer of RAF Ministries, Stone Mountain, GA. On Saturday Evening, Bishop Minerva Bell stood as the newest presiding prelate of the New York-New England District for the first time. On Sunday Morning, Bishop John Emmanuel Holland addressed the district as the Senior Bishop of Mt. Sinai for the first time.
​
2017 - The 55th New York-New England District Convention was held at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel. Presiding Elder Melynn Murphy preached her first and only message to the New York-New England District on Thursday Evening. On Saturday Afternoon, a special reunion service in recognition of the 55th Anniversary of the New York-New England District was held. The speaker for that service was Pastor Elena Mayfield from Tabernacle of Praises, Amityville, NY.
​
2018 - The 56th New York-New England District Convention was held at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel. The then Presiding Elder Queen Harris of Norfolk, VA preached a powerful message on Friday Evening. Also on Friday Evening, the Christian Community Choir of Huntington, NY and Tabernacle of Praises of Amityville, NY ministered in song. A special Youth Service was held on Saturday Morning of this convention. The service featured praise and worship by the Youth Praise & Worship Team from Bethel Holy Church, and powerful messages from Elder James Smalls from Tabernacle of Praises in Amityville, NY and Evangelist Katrina Green from Bethel Holy Church. Our special guests for the Saturday Afternoon Service were Bishop William Walker and his congregation from Amityville Full Gospel Church in Amityville, NY. On Saturday Evening, Bishop Minerva Bell ministered to the New York-New England District for the last time.
​
2019 - The 57th New York-New England District Convention was held at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel. The guest psalmist for the convention was Psalmist Renee Smith-Idowu of Charlotte, NC. The convention also featured music ministry from the Bethel Holy Church Choir and the New York-New England District Choir, respectively. On Saturday Afternoon, Elder Joseph Bell stood in place of our regularly scheduled guest preacher for the day. On Sunday Morning, Bishop John Emmanuel Holland delivered his final in-person message to the New York-New England District.
2021 - The 59th New York-New England District Convention was a virtual convention experience. It was livestreamed on the New York-New England District Facebook Page and the Bethel Holy Church YouTube Channel. Bishop Hazle Woodley delivered her first address to the New York-New England District as presiding prelate during this virtual service.
2022 - The 60th New York-New England District Convention was a one-day experience a Tabernacle of Praises in Amityville, NY on Saturday, August 27, 2022. Pastor Elena Mayfield preached for the first service, and Bishop Hazle Woodley preached for the second service. In between services, workshops were conducted by Pastor Joseph Bell, and Brother Darius Covington of Zion Holy Church, Newark, NJ.
​
2023 - The 61st New York-New England District Convention marked the very first time in the history of our district to hold a convention in the state of New Jersey. This two-day convention was held at the historic Clinton Inn Hotel & Event Center in Tenafly, NJ. Pastor Joseph Bell and his congregation from Bethel Holy Church in New York City opened up the convention on Friday Evening. The convention also featured a Saturday Morning Prayer Clinic conducted by Presiding Elder Shirley Joseph and National Mother, Elder Catherine Pernell, pastor of St. John Pentecostal Church, Cedarville, NJ. The guest speaker for the Saturday Morning Youth Service was Elder Arleather Bullard-Amparado of Long Island, NY. Bishop Hazle Woodley closed out the convention on Saturday Afternoon. As a part of this convention, a very special memorial service was held in memory of Missionary Peggy Morales, a faithful member of Glorious Tabernacle Holy Church in Amityville, NY; but was notably one of the National Ushers of the Mt. Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc., who went home to be with the Lord earlier that month.
​
2024 - For the first time in over 35 years, the New York-New England District Convention returned to Bethel Holy Church in New York City. The 62nd Annual Convention opened up on Friday Evening. Elder James Faggins, pastor of Bethel Pentecostal Church in Bridgeton, NJ, was scheduled to preach for the service, but due to some health concerns on his end, his wife, Elder Tonya Faggins stood in his place. Elder Shirley Joseph and Elder Catherine Pernell taught a lesson on prayer during the convention prayer breakfast. Following the breakfast, workshops were conducted by Elder Joseph's daughter, Sister Gwen Joseph and Sister Charlene Lewis of Maryland. Bishop Hazle Woodley was absent from this convention due to illness. Pastor Joseph Bell stood in place of Bishop Woodley to preach for the closing service on Saturday Afternoon.
​
​
​
​
​
​