Riding down the street after the National Meeting of 1963, Mother E. B. Harris who was Sister E. B. Coleman at the time pondered about the growth of the entire church. She began to express and share a revelation that God had given her with Bishop D. H. Harris who later became her husband and his staff who were with her at the time. She saw three National Departments coming together for a one-week convention. At the time, the departments consisted of the Youth, Music and Schools of Wisdom. Bishop Harris soon asked the question, “What would you call the session?” and immediately several suggestions were rendered by Reverend Levert, Sister Coleman and others. After much deep thought, Sister Coleman suggested that this convention should be called Chautauqua. She began to explain that the etymology of Chautauqua was an Indian word, which refers to seminars and assemblies integrated for education, songs, lectures, spiritual and recreational purposes.

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In 1964, Washington, D.C., the first Chautauqua of many to come were birthed. The Evangelistic Department was added to this prestigious convention in 1978 in Southfield, Michigan.

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This convention which convenes every two years has become one of the greatest assembles of people ever. The power and explosion of God’s Holy Spirit is demonstrated on a level like no other. Since the conception of Chautauqua, many youth have been afforded the opportunity to receive educational scholarships. Institutions of higher learning have been established, renown speakers and businessmen have been invited, and workshops, seminars and forums have been conducted. There has been an explosion of gospel groups, choirs and soloists.