Revered. That simple word perhaps best describes the sentiments of the many whose lives have been touched through the ministry of Dr. William Cameron Mason, affectionately known as Bill.

His first official assignment was to serve at a Tulsa church with a membership of 118. That church, Asbury United Methodist Church, grew during his tenure to a remarkable 5250. What accounted for the incredible growth in this church that he pastored for 29 years? Was it his preaching? His sincerity? His devotion to prayer? His zeal for the lost? His compassionate care of the physically ill and hurting? Undoubtedly, it was all of those things and more that contributed to his enduring ministry.

Dr. Mason was raised in the church, but actually came to the Lord when he was 28 years old at a Billy Graham Crusade in Oklahoma City. At that time, he owned an office supply and printing business. Three years after that life-changing encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, he met and married Jayne McFarland.

Some time later, he began to feel a pull in another direction. “It was the winter of 1961 when I sensed in my spirit that I was to enter the ministry full-time. It didn’t seem practical and there were objects that needed to be eliminated. I asked my wife if she was agreeable. At this time we were expecting our fourth child. Nonetheless, we went to Dallas where I entered seminary. I went both summer and winter and finished in two and a half years.”

Asbury was to be Dr. Mason’s first and only appointment. A self-confessed “people person”, he says he’s happiest when involved with people in the congregation. During his first 10 years at Asbury he was constantly visiting in the homes of his congregation. He also has a real love for those who are physically ill. Even today as Asbury’s Pastor Emeritus, he is actively involved in ministering to the sick and bereaved. On Mondays and Fridays he visits all the hospitals. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, he goes to St. Francis Hospital. On Wednesdays he tries to visit in the nursing homes. &#x201CMy orientation is to go everyday, but I’ve had to swallow my pride and let others help me. I have to realize that at 75 I just can’t go every day,” he explained.

How does he fortify himself to meet this rigorous schedule? He wakes at 4 a.m. each morning and his first hour and a half is spent in prayer and Bible reading, drawing strength and direction from his Lord. And what does he do in his leisure time? “I love to read, mostly the Bible.” Otherwise, his favorite author is Chuck Colson and his favorite book is, “How Then Shall We Live?”

Aside from the Lord, he credits his wife, Jayne, with much of his success. “Among her spiritual gifts is the gift of serving. She has the most uncanny ability to anticipate people’s needs before they are even aware of it. She’s not obtrusive; she doesn’t hover,” he said with obvious pride in her abilities and graciousness. “Jayne was always content to be an “Indian”. She never wanted to be a ‘chief.’”

Both Jayne and Bill have enjoyed their years at Asbury, citing it’s unique quality in letting their pastors be themselves. Dr. Mason’s goal in the past was what is best for Asbury, and that remains his goal today. He’s perhaps Tom Harrison’s greatest cheerleader. Their relationship is one of mutual respect and admiration. “Tom is the leader and I want to be his best supporter,” he said. What a foundation and what a legacy Dr. Mason has provided for Asbury United Methodist Church.

Though his devotion and hard work are still benefitting our Christian family, he has contributed greatly to this healthy congregation which continues to grow under Dr. Harrison’s able leadership.