NEW YORK CITY’S FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH WELCOMES CIVIL RIGHTS, SOCIAL JUSTICE, AND FAITH LEADER C. VERNON MASON AS A NEW MEMBER AND GUEST PREACHER
The Friendship Baptist Church, located at 144 W 131st Street in Harlem and pastored by Rev. Dr. James A. Kilgore, is honored to welcome new member, Rev. Dr. C. Vernon Mason, Sr., to its congregation. Dr. Mason, who will serve as the church’s Minister in Residence, will preach his first sermon at the church on Sunday, November 10th at 11:30AM and can be attended in person at the church or via livestream on the church’s Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/144OnethirtyOne
“We are extremely proud to invite the entire community to hear Dr. Mason preach his inaugural sermon at Friendship. Dr. Mason has served the church faithfully and has worked tirelessly in theological education for decades,” says Dr. Kilgore, who is also the President of The Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater New York and Vicinity. “An ardent supporter of justice and civil rights, Dr. Mason has fought against injustice as a former attorney to many people who needed equal protection under the law. All are invited to hear words of faith, courage and inspiration from an American historical icon and a true servant of God.”
Friendship Baptist Church has been serving the Harlem community for eighty-eight years. It continues to be an institution of faith that strives to make a difference in its community and beyond. The Friendship House was a place where Bayard Rustin met congregants to organize the famous March on Washington.
Dr. Mason is a former 48-year member of The Abyssinian Baptist Church where he served for 32 years on the Deacon Board and 10 years on the Trustee Board, as well as taught the New Members Classes for over two decades and served as an officer as Abyssinian’s Assistant Church Clerk.
“It is my distinct honor to join the members of the esteemed Friendship Baptist Church and to stand in the historic pulpit of my dear friend and now pastor, Dr. Kilgore,” says Dr. Mason. “Leaving a church that has been the foundation of our lives, not just for me and my beloved wife, Thelma Mason, but also for our children who grew up at Abyssinian, was not an easy decision. In fact, it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. But it is a true gift and blessing to walk through the doors of Friendship on a Sunday in June of this year and be given such a warm and inviting welcome. I immediately felt at home. I am humbled to once again stand with a pastor who has integrity, compassion, honor and vision, and who sees and understands the needs of the members of his congregation.”
For visitors, parking is available in the church’s parking lot, located on 130th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard.
