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George's Final Sermon

as Senior Pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church

Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Wilshire Baptist Church

Wilshire Baptist Church will hold one worship service, at 11 a.m., on Sunday, May 1, as George Mason preaches for the final time as senior pastor before retiring from the role. The service will include a special time of recognition for George. George and Kim’s adult children, grandchildren, and other family members will be on hand for the service. The public is invited.

Excerpt from “Don't You Know?!,” George Mason’s message from Sunday, April 24, 2022, his second to last sermon as Wilshire’s senior pastor.

Tributes to Rev. George Mason

from a few of his colleagues around the city

Dearest George, David and I share this ancient blessing with you and all your family always, but especially now, at this liminal and sacred moment in your lives:
May God bless you and protect you;
May God's face shine on you, enveloping you in graciousness;
May God's presence be ever lifted toward you, and grant you shalom—wholeness and peace.

- Rabbis Nancy Kasten and David Stern

George, I am so grateful for your leadership and example in advocating for justice in our community and beyond. Blessings as you start this next chapter!

- Mark Chancey, SMU Religious Studies Department

You are a blessing to the North Texas community. I am grateful to have gotten to know you and dream with you on ways we can improve the quality of life of people in our city and beyond. I pray that all your good intentions, efforts and actions are actualized to your utmost satisfaction. Wishing success in your next stage in life. Thank you.

- Almas Muscatwalla, Faith Forward Dallas at Thanksgiving Square

Blessings, Beloved, as you have blessed so many for so long. May the next season be your best season. I remember being a recent seminary graduate and sentimental minister in 2001 visiting your church from out of state. And now 20+ years later we are in the same city and I’m grateful God has given you the kind of platform to share your resources, prayers, and encouragement to one who was younger, prettier, and kissed by the sun longer. Grateful for you dear friend. Love that you love Jesus, Justice, and Community. And your commitment to the flourishing of all people and all faith gives me strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

- Virzola Law, Senior Minister, Northway Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Thank God for you, George—for your life, ministry and steady guidance and encouragement. It’s unusual to call someone your own age (five days younger!) a mentor, but you have been my mentor almost our entire adult lives. What a blessing! May God continue to lead and guide you, to multiply your abundant gifts, and to flood your life with joy and fulfillment. You are, and always will be, an inspiration.

- Marv Knox

George, you are a friend to many, one, who like John Wesley proclaimed, saw the world as your parish. We celebrate you, your family, your vital ministry to and among us, and we know that the best for you is yet to come!

- Dr. Michael W. Waters, Abundant Life A.M.E. Church

While we’ve heard alot about Critical Race Theory, you have been part of Critical Race Theology, and I just want to thank you on behalf of a community that somehow yearns for those individuals who are more privileged to speak to the issues in front of us. Thank you for your courage.

- John Wiley Price, Dallas County Commissioner

Congratulations to Rev. George Mason on being recognized at the Dallas County Commissioners Court for his many contributions as pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church!

God is up to something great. Thank you for allowing me to watch you pastor Wilshire up close. I love you and I’m excited about the future!

1 Corinthians 2:9-10
However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,  what no ear has heard,  and what no human mind has conceived”  the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

- Edwin Robinson, Dallas Black Pastors

George Mason has been a trusted friend and colleague for over 30 years. No faith leader has navigated the endless idiosyncrasies of Texas religious life with more intelligence and grace than George. To "stay in the saddle" of a large urban senior pastorate for a few years is a feat; to stay for decades is an astonishment. George's remarkable witness has made us all better, and pointed us to a "more excellent way." I join this great church and city in honoring him.

- Charles Johnson, Pastors for Texas Children

May the One who has guided you to this point in time continue to bless you with deep gratitude for the journey. You have lived up to and into the Light and Love offered for you and all of God's Beloved.

- Dr. Andy Stoker, The Thanksgiving Foundation