Bishop Charles Harrison Mason was an influential African American religious leader and the founder of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), one of the largest Pentecostal denominations in the United States. Born on September 8, 1864, in Memphis, Tennessee, he played a significant role in the early 20th-century Pentecostal movement, emphasizing spiritual experiences such as speaking in tongues and divine healing. Mason was known for his strong leadership and commitment to social justice, advocating for the rights of African Americans during a time of racial segregation. He served as the first presiding bishop of COGIC and worked tirelessly to expand the church's reach, establishing numerous congregations and educational institutions across the country.