New Progressive Cathedral Church of God in Christ is celebrating 100 years as a church family in Western New York.

The area church hosted its Convocation Centennial Celebration; a milestone for the annual gathering of Churches of God in Christ throughout Western New York. The jurisdictional prelate is Bishop James R. Wright, Sr., who says this year is special for more than one reason.

“In years past we held our convocation in hotel ballrooms,” said Bishop Wright, Sr. “Now we have a church and it has a greater spiritual meaning to us.”

Hundreds of community members and visitors from across the state congregated at New Progressive Cathedral Church on Chili Avenue, which is the jurisdiction’s regional headquarters. Faithful members did not hold back in expressing their gratitude. Monday night’s celebration included plenty of soulful music, hand claps, pure joy and sermons reflecting on the past and present evolution as a church family.

“We have about 80 or 90 churches in our jurisdiction from Albany to Niagara Falls,” said Bishop Wright, Sr. “All those churches come together and we share information on the things we’ve done over the years. We study the word of the Lord; we worship; sing; pray; preach the gospel and reach out into the community.”

Looking forward and growing as a church family, these members say there is plenty to be thankful for. Their centennial theme states, “Up until Now, the Lord has been good to us.”

“The same God that took care of us years ago and brought us to this point will take us further,” said Bishop Wright, Sr. “We are believing by faith that he will sustain us and take care of us.”

Festivities for the Centennial Celebration will last until August 16.