Friendship Baptist Church Welcomes C. Vernon Mason as Minister in Residence

The Friendship Baptist Church, located at 144 W 131st Street in Harlem and pastored by Rev. Dr. James A. Kilgore, welcomed a new member, Rev. Dr. C. Vernon Mason, Sr., to its congregation. Dr. Mason, who will serve as the church’s Minister in Residence, preached his first sermon at the church on Sunday, November 10th to an enthusiastic congregation.

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. He preached words of faith, courage and inspiration as 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 and served as an officer as Abyssinian’s Assistant Church Clerk.

It was 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!