President J. Benjamin Hardwick and the executive board of the Western Baptist State Convention of California will host the 132nd Annual Session convening on Saturday, August 6, and continuing through Thursday, August 11, at the Praises of Zion Baptist Church, located at 8222 South San Pedro St., in Los Angeles.
The Rev. W. Charles Harris is the moderator of the Los Angeles District Association. The theme is “Our Convention Led by the Holy Spirit” based on Romans 8:14.
The agenda highlights include “Sports Day” sponsored by Young People’s Department on Saturday, August 6, at 9 a.m. Sister Staci Riven is the director. Dr. Raymond L. Chandler, president of the Young Adult Department, will lead a session at 12:30 p.m., with the Rev. Carlos Davis of Good Shepherd Baptist Church delivering the message.
The 132nd Mass Musical, overseen by Lady Leslie Chandler, state music director, is set for Sunday, August 7, at 4 p.m. The program will feature Lemmie Battles, Maurice Griffin, Tim Bishop Brown, DeJaye, and voices from WBSC churches.
On Monday, August 8, at 6 p.m., Dr. Dexter Kilpatrick, Dean, will open the annual session with a prayer and praise service. Lemmie Battles will sing and the Rev. Dr. R. A. Williams of McCoy Memorial Baptist Church will preach.
The 132nd Annual Session officially opens on Tuesday, August 9, at 12 p.m., with a message by the Rev. Joe Connor, moderator of the Southwest District Association and pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Brawley, California.
At 3 p.m., Dr. Manuel Scott, Jr., national evangelist, will lead a segment on evangelism session and at 6:45 p.m., the ushers session takes place. Usher President Carolyn Chapman will deliver her annual address and the Rev. Dr. Michael Owens of New Hope Baptist Church will bring the message.
On Wednesday, August 10, at 9:30 a.m., President Calvin Armstrong and the Laymen will be in session. Dr. John B. Bledsoe, moderator of the Central District Association and pastor of Zion Star Baptist Church, will preach.
Also, the Pastors and Ministers Conference and lunch will be held at 1:30 p.m., and facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Virgil V. Jones, moderator of the Faith District Association and pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Los Angeles.
At 7 p.m., President Armstrong will deliver his annual address and Bishop Dexter Kilpatrick will preach.
On Thursday, August 11, WBSC President LaRonda Nelson will deliver her annual address and the Women’s Department will honor Western Baptist State Convention’s 100+ year-old members. At 12 p.m., the Rev. Dr. Edward Crier of St. Paul Baptist Church in Oxnard will bring the Word of God. The 132nd Annual Session will conclude at 12:45pm.
