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Bishop C. H. Mason and the Roots of the Church of God in Christ
The Church of God in Christ (COGIC), the first major denomination to spring from the fires of the Azusa Street revival, profoundly affected the history of the black church. Its tremendous influence can be traced to the dynamic spiritual life of its founder, Charles Harrison Mason. The son of a slave and a leader in the holiness movement of his day, Mason traveled to Azusa Street in 1907 where he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Returning home, he discovered that visions, spontaneous healing and deliverance followed him. A new power accompanied his preaching, and he experienced freedom from former limitations. Mason’s vibrant spiritual life enabled him to lead a fledgling movement from its infancy to a powerful, prophetic community over the next fifty years. Beginning in the rural South in the decades following the Reconstruction Era, the denomination gradually moved into urban areas during the 1900’s. No matter where its ministers, however, the COGIC Church holds in tension the dynamics of holiness, spiritual encounter and prophetic Christian social consciousness. Facing the challenges of our generation, the COGIC Church desires to maintain the legacy of its founder as it prepares for another century of work and witness. "Our younger generations need to know the rich legacy bequeathed to them by the pioneers of the Church of God in Christ." Presiding Bishop Chandler D. Owens "Every pastor in our denomination and beyond should have a worn and wellread copy of this book." Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. "This valuable book should be in the hands of every member of the Church of God in Christ." Bishop C. L. Anderson "God gave Bishop C. H. Mason an anointing to preach powerfully, to heal the sick, and to sing out in spontaneous worship. May we covet the same anointing that transformed thousands in his day." Bishop J. Neaul Haynes "We are the descendants of a mighty move of God that began at Azusa Street. This book will help us to pass on an equally dynamic spiritual life to our successors, taking the Church of God in Christ into the next century." Bishop P. A. Brooks "Church leaders would do well to emulate the dynamic spiritual life of our founder; Bishop C. H. Mason." Bishop O. T. Jones, Jr. "Bishop Clemmons reminds us that our denomination was forged in the fires of a pentecostal revival that continues to impact our society today." Bishop Gilbert E. Patterson "Our roots establish our legacy and provide the springboard for the future. This documentation is a must for this generation and the generations to come." Mother Emma F. Crouch, Supervisor, Women's Department, Church of God in Christ, President, International Women's Convention "This is must reading for every seminary student preparing to minister in the Church of God in Christ. This will be extremely valuable to students of church history regardless of denomination." Dr. H. Vinson Synan, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Divinity, Regent University "Finally, a documentary written by a black historian/theologian and a lifelong member of the Church of God in Christ. Bishop Clemmons' perspective is insightful, informative, and refreshing." Dr. William C. Turner, Ph.D., Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity School, Duke University "Allow Bishop C. H. Mason's vision to grip you, to challenge you, and to change you." Raymond C. Pierce, J.D., Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
227 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 15, 2016
This is an excellent book about the history, growth, development, and influence of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and its founder, Bishop Charles Harrison Mason. Through Bishop Mason's leadership, COGIC went from being a small Southern holiness denomination in 1897, to a Pentecostal-Holiness denomination in 1907, to the largest Pentecostal denomination and 4th largest Christian denomination in the United States.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about COGIC, Pentecostalism, and African-American Church History. This book will give you a wealth of knowledge on these topics and show you the impact COGIC has made since its inception.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about COGIC, Pentecostalism, and African-American Church History. This book will give you a wealth of knowledge on these topics and show you the impact COGIC has made since its inception.
May 11, 2020
Continuing my journey of doing a deep dive into the history of the Church of God in Christ, I recently finished “Bishop C.H. Mason and the Roots of the Church of God in Christ” by former General Board member Bishop Ithiel C. Clemmons. This was, indeed, an engaging read that surveyed the historical, theological, and even the socio-political roots of COGIC.
Many people criticize the lack of social or political activism as well as the rigid gender norms of the Church of God in Christ without understanding that, as Bishop Clemmons states, “Mason always held in tension and balance the dynamic of holiness, spiritual encounter and spiritual empowerment, and prophetic Christian social consciousness.” The roots and outgrowth of COGIC are the results of an interrelated work amongst these concepts. The Azusa Street Revival, leading to the denominational development of the Church of God in Christ radically defied the racial, ecumenical, and gender conventions of its time. Additionally, the structure of Mason’s vision is modeled after some West African societies that implemented elements of spiritual equality: allowing women free expression of their spiritual gifts and the ideal of shared social responsibility, thus the creation of the Women’s Department——— which remains highly effective and influential in the life of the Church.
Overall, I believe that to be part of something is to closely examine and better understand that thing. I am also convinced that to love something is to, at times, be able to have a constructive conversation about the health and viability of it. Any critique of a body you are part of should be with the intention of seeing that body grow and develop, not to malign and demean it. My dad always says, “I believe in what Bishop Mason founded this church upon.” With that sentiment, I strive to do my part to contribute to the great work that began over 100 years ago.
Many people criticize the lack of social or political activism as well as the rigid gender norms of the Church of God in Christ without understanding that, as Bishop Clemmons states, “Mason always held in tension and balance the dynamic of holiness, spiritual encounter and spiritual empowerment, and prophetic Christian social consciousness.” The roots and outgrowth of COGIC are the results of an interrelated work amongst these concepts. The Azusa Street Revival, leading to the denominational development of the Church of God in Christ radically defied the racial, ecumenical, and gender conventions of its time. Additionally, the structure of Mason’s vision is modeled after some West African societies that implemented elements of spiritual equality: allowing women free expression of their spiritual gifts and the ideal of shared social responsibility, thus the creation of the Women’s Department——— which remains highly effective and influential in the life of the Church.
Overall, I believe that to be part of something is to closely examine and better understand that thing. I am also convinced that to love something is to, at times, be able to have a constructive conversation about the health and viability of it. Any critique of a body you are part of should be with the intention of seeing that body grow and develop, not to malign and demean it. My dad always says, “I believe in what Bishop Mason founded this church upon.” With that sentiment, I strive to do my part to contribute to the great work that began over 100 years ago.
May 24, 2018
A fascinating and well written history of Bishop Mason and the roots of the COGIC.
January 10, 2024
Good read tell the history of The Church of God in Christ.
March 8, 2016
Well written with an unbiased approach regarding the church internal challenges. ,
All Church of God in Christ members should have this book and those in the local assembly who head's the new member classes should use this book that new members may understand how our church came about.
All Church of God in Christ members should have this book and those in the local assembly who head's the new member classes should use this book that new members may understand how our church came about.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews