“A beacon of faith” is what many call the Amazing Church of God in Christ. This church stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith. Its story is interwoven with the rich tapestry of religious history. Although information is scarce, we can still appreciate its significance as a place of worship.
Amazing Church of God in Christ is more than just a building. It is a spiritual home for its congregation. The Church of God in Christ has a fascinating history. Elder Mason’s conversion in 1878 marked a turning point. He was baptized by his brother I.S. Nelson a Baptist Preacher. In 1893 he started his ministry. He accepted ministerial licenses from Mt. Gale Missionary Baptist Church.
In 1895 Bishop Mason met influential figures. They were Elder C.P. Jones and Elder J.E. Jeter. These men became his closest companions in ministry. Together they conducted a revival in 1896. It profoundly impacted Jackson Mississippi. The revival’s manifestations included conversions. People were sanctified and healed through faith. Bishop Mason’s teachings on sanctification stirred controversy. Baptist association church doors closed to him and his followers.
In 1897 Bishop Mason preached from the courthouse entrance in Jackson. A Mr. John Lee offered his home for ministry. An abandoned warehouse became their meeting place. It was located in Lexington Mississippi. This gin house became the Church of God in Christ’s first meeting house. Despite challenges the revival thrived. Shots were fired into the gathering. Miraculously no one died.
To solidify their community they formed a church. It emphasized sanctification through the Holy Spirit. Elder Mason Elder Jones and Elder Pleasant called a meeting. Sixty charter members formed a Pentecostal body. They were known as the “Church of God”.
Later in 1897 the name “Church of God in Christ” was revealed to Bishop Mason. He was walking in Little Rock Arkansas. The scripture 1 Thessalonians 2:14 supported this revelation. The brethren unanimously agreed to the name.
The church was reorganized. Elder C.P. Jones became General Overseer. Elder C.H. Mason oversaw Tennessee. Elder J.A. Jeter oversaw Arkansas. In 1907 Elder Mason attended a Pentecostal revival in Los Angeles. He sought the outpouring of the Holy Ghost.
Elder Mason’s personal testimony recounts his experience. He saw a vision and felt the Holy Spirit. This experience transformed him. He began proclaiming it as a New Testament doctrine. This led to division among his contemporaries. Some viewed speaking in tongues as a delusion.
The General Assembly withdrew fellowship from C. H. Mason. He then convened ministers in Memphis. They believed in receiving the Holy Ghost. These men formed the first Pentecostal General Assembly. It was of the “Church of God in Christ”. Overseer C. H. Mason became the General Overseer. He had the authority to establish doctrine.
Early national meetings were held in Memphis Tennessee. The first National Tabernacle was built in 1925. It burned down in 1936. In 1945 Bishop Mason dedicated the Mason Temple in Memphis. It became the largest convention hall owned by a colored religious group in America.
Under Bishop Mason’s leadership the church grew. It expanded from ten congregations in 1907. It became the largest Pentecostal group in America. Churches were established throughout the United States. They are on every continent and in many islands.
Today Amazing Church of God in Christ stands as a local expression. It reflects this global movement’s history and values. It continues to serve its community as a place of faith. It provides hope and spiritual guidance.