Bishop Bryant to give invocation at Electoral College ceremony

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Next Monday, the 2012 Electoral College will announce the "official vote tally" for President Obama in Boston.

And Bishop Bryant Robinson of Springfield's Macedonia Church of God in Christ will be giving the invocation at this national ceremony.

His church made national news back in 2008, after three men burned it to the ground on the night President Obama was elected. A crime which prosecutors say was racially motivated.

Four years later, the Macedonia community is rebuilt and stronger than ever.

“Out of that tragedy, there have been blessings that have come to us. We've grown and we're in the process of maturing as a community of believers,” said Bishop Bryant Robinson Jr.

“We were stronger before...that's why we built…I think we made a statement,” said parishioner Gladys Gaskien.

Because of this story, Candy Glazer, one of the Elector's from the College thought it would be appropriate that Bishop Robinson give the prayer at this ceremony.  And parishioners agree that he is the perfect candidate.

“He is just amazing, he's an amazing person. He is a blessing and I am so happy to be a part of Macedonia,” said parishioner James Walden.

And this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that Bishop Robinson says he's proud to be a part of.

“I'm highly honored and humbled and I'm excited to be invited to give the invocation...so I'm looking forward to it,” said Bishop Robinson.

The "official vote tally" will be made on Monday, December 17th.