Charles Harrison Mason (1864-1961)

This lesson introduces students to Charles Harrison Mason, founder and bishop of Church of God in Christ (COGIC), one of the largest historically-Black Protestant denominations in the world. Bishop Mason’s story reveals the vibrancy and transformative power of religious faith in Black American life. A public witness for peace and justice in his country and beyond, Bishop Mason was a pacifist who pursued racial justice and unity in both religious and civic spaces. The founding and rapid growth of COGIC throughout the nation and beyond demonstrates Mason’s talents as a leader, his resistance to the religious status quo, and his steadfast desire to serve his God. Lessons updated 9/12/26.

After you download the lesson, be sure to launch the Teacher’s Guide for a lesson plan and a plethora of supplemental materials, including case studies, document-based questions, assessment tools, and more. For the K-8 crowd, we even have coloring pages!

Questions or feedback? Please email us: educate@woodsoncenter.org