House Resolution 1342
By: Representatives Berry of the 56th and Willis of the 55th
A RESOLUTION
Commending Reverend Herman "Skip" Mason on his investiture as the 12th President of the
Interdenominational Theological Center and recognizing March 3, 2026, as Reverend
Herman "Skip" Mason Day; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Herman "Skip" Mason, Jr., author and historian, is the senior
pastor of Historic West Mitchell Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia,
as well as the President of the Interdenominational Theological Center; and
WHEREAS, a proud native of Atlanta and an honors graduate of the Atlanta Public Schools,
Dr. Mason matriculated and graduated from Morris Brown College and continued his
education at Atlanta University, where he earned a master's degree in library and information
science with a concentration in African American Studies; and
WHEREAS, he is also a graduate of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta,
where he obtained the Master of Divinity and the Doctor of Ministry degrees, respectively,
in African American Church History, Social Justice, and Outreach; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Mason has served as pastor of Greater Hopewell CME in Atlanta, St. James
CME Church in Washington/Wilkes County, St. Paul CME Church in Athens, and "Mother"
Trinity in Augusta, as well as serves as the Chair of the Joint Board of Finance and represents
on the Archives Commission in the Sixth Episcopal District; and
WHEREAS, a seasoned educator for over 30 years, he has served as professor of history,
college archivist, director and dean of students, and Vice President of Student Services at
both Morris Brown College and Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, he is the 33rd General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, member of the
Atlanta Beltline Partnership Board, and serves on the National Board of Directors of the
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, formerly the Dean of Library and Museum Service and Assistant Professor of
African American History and Religion at Voorhees College in Denmark, South Carolina,
he now dedicates his leadership to the Interdenominational Theological Center as its
President; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Mason is the author of numerous books on the history of African
Americans' experience in Atlanta, Georgia, and the South, including Black Atlanta in the
Roaring Twenties; Black Entertainment in Atlanta; African American Life in DeKalb County,
Politics, Law, and Civil Rights in Atlanta; and Black American Series: East Point, Georgia;
and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this exceptional author, historian, and
community leader be appropriately honored.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body commend Reverend Herman "Skip" Mason on his investiture as
the 12th President of the Interdenominational Theological Center and recognize March 3,
2026, as Reverend Herman "Skip" Mason Day.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to
Reverend Herman "Skip" Mason.