Approximately 3,000 conventioneers are expected to attend the National Primitive Baptist Convention, USA, 101st Annual Session at the Chattanooga Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, beginning Saturday evening, Aug. 16, and concluding on Friday night, Aug. 22.

Elder Ernest Ferrell, pastor of the St. Mary Primitive Baptist Church (Georgia Street), Tallahassee and a graduate of Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, Fl. is the organization's general president.

Inspired by a desire for unity and Christian fellowship among Primitive Baptists (of African heritage) in the United States of America, Dr. Clarence Francis Sams of Key West, Fl., assisted by Elder George S. Crawford of DeLand, Fl., initiated the "National Movement" in 1906 and the first organizational meeting was held on July 7, 1907 at St. Bartley Primitive Baptist Church in Huntsville, Al.

Presently, its membership is located in 18 states, representing approximately 1,000 churches and over 600,000 members.

During the upcoming 101st annual session, worship services, church school workshops, individual auxiliary business sessions, and fellowship are slated to occur. In addition, several distinguished events are scheduled to be held. Events will be as follows:

Saturday, Aug. 16
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Chattanooga Convention Center
Event: Gospel Extravaganza (featuring Gospel Comedian Rod Z, Orlando, Florida; Recording Artists Luther Barnes, Rocky Mount, North Carolina, the Mime Boyz, Orlando, Florida, Charlene Harrison, Franklin, Tennessee; the Tennessee Primitive Baptist State Convention Mass Choir under the direction of Elder Chasen Brown; and, the St. Mary Primitive Baptist Church Praise Dancers, Tallahassee, Fl.)
Cost: Free (public offering will be received)

Sunday, Aug. 17
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Chattanooga Convention Center
Event: President's Scholarship Banquet
Speaker: Dr. James Ammons, president of Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, Fl.
Cost: $600 per table (eight individuals per table) and $75 per individual ticket. The proceeds of the banquet will provide financial assistance to eligible college students who are currently enrolled at Florida A & M University.

Monday, Aug. 18
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Place: Chattanooga Convention Center
Event: Annual Mother Joyce Perkins Memorial Scholarship Youth Luncheon
Speaker: Mr. Edwin V. Avent, President, CEO and Publisher of Heart & Soul, the second leading health, fitness and life solutions magazine targeting African American women.
Cost: $25 per person. The proceeds of the luncheon provide financial contributions to the Patton-Raye Scholarship Fund and the Timothy Miles Youth Oratorical Contest. Timothy Miles, who died of sickle cell disease was an active member of the National Youth Congress.

Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Chattanooga Convention Center
Event: Welcome program, hosted by the Tennessee State Primitive Baptist Convention, Elder John T. Gassaway, President.
Special Guests: The Honorable Phil Bredesen, Governor, State of Tennessee; The Honorable County Mayor Claude Ramsey; the Honorable City Mayor Ron Littlefield; Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jim Scales; President of Chattanooga Area Convention Center and Visitor's Bureau, Mr. Bob Doak; President of the Clergy Koinia, Dr. Kenneth L. Brinkley; and, Dean of Covington Theological Seminary, Chattanooga Extension, Dr. J. Tremble

Thursday, Aug. 21
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Place: Chattanooga Convention Center
Event: National General President's Hour
Speaker: Elder Ernest Ferrell, General President
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Place: Chattanooga Convention Center
Event: Presidential Election '08
Candidates for the Office of General President of the National Primitive Baptist Convention.
-Elder John L. Dees, Jr., D.D., Pastor, Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church, Dixons Mills, Alabama; Moderator, West Alabama Primitive Baptist Association
-Elder Ernest Ferrell (Incumbent), Pastor, St. Mary Primitive Baptist Church (Georgia Street), Tallahassee, Florida; President, National Primitive Baptist Convention, USA
-Elder Oscar Montgomery, Ph.D., D.Min., Pastor, Union Hill Primitive Baptist Church, Huntsville, Al.; Vice President, Southern Region, National Primitive Baptist Convention, USA

Friday, Aug. 22
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Chattanooga Convention Center
Event: Meet the General President of the National Primitive Baptist Convention, USA (2008-2011)