MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - The Memphis-based denomination Church of God in Christ begins its last Holy Week convocation in the city Monday – then prepares to move its 2010 meeting to St. Louis.

Marriott hotel sales director Hayley Grimes told WPTY-TV the meeting sells out 575 of the hotel's 600 guest rooms. The Marriott has been the headquarters hotel for the annual meetings.

John Oros of the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau said as many as 25,000 people come to the church's annual meetings, putting as much as $25 million into the local economy.

Oros said the city is trying to attract other meetings next year and it trying to persuade the denomination to return in 2011.

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Information from: WPTY-TV, http://www.abc24.com/

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