Bishop C. H. Mason and the Roots of the Church of God in Christ

The Church of God in Christ, 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. Bishop Mason led a fledgling movement from its infancy to a powerful, prophetic community over the next fifty years. The Church of God in Christ holds in tension the dynamics of holiness, spiritual encounter, and a prophetic Christian social consciousness. Bishop Clemmons, now deceased, was a member of the General Board (Presidium) of the Church of God in Christ. He was the church Historian and the Jurisdictional Prelate of Eastern New York First Jurisdiction. Bishop Clemmons was also chairman of the Executive Committee of the Pentecostal/ Charismatic Churches of North American (PCCNA) and past president of the Society for Pentecostal Studies (SPS). A Pastor, teacher, builder, and church administrator, he was in heavy demand around the world and will be dearly missed.