In September, Mason Philpot, pastor of the Crescent City Church, retired after 45 years in ministry.
Many know Mason as an avid surfer. Lesser known is that he was also a team hopeful for the 1972 U.S. Water polo team. He recalled, “During the Olympic trials, I came down with a mysterious virus that kept me hospitalized for a week, and my Olympic dream was dashed.” Ultimately, that disappointment led him on a circuitous path to serve God. A route, He stated, “I’ve never regretted.”
His search for meaning in life, a commitment to Jesus, and a passion for healthy living from his formative years ultimately led to his joining the NCC in 1979 at the St. Helena Church. Having found his path, he soon attended Andrews University, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1982.
Over the next 41 years, he was never far from the Northern California coast, pastoring at the Willows, Willits, Fort Bragg, and Crescent City churches.
Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, stated, “Pastor Mason is a consummate friend of Jesus and it shows in his pastoring. Whether it is helping at camp meetings, moving porta-potties around without complaint—which he did up to his retirement, or going out of his way to make people feel welcome at church, you know he loves Jesus.”
Mason concluded, “This journey has been a fantastic story of God leading me in this direction, and that direction, to where I am today. I intend to retire in Crescent City, God permitting, volunteering and surfing when the weather and waves permit.”
Featured in Northern Lights, October 10, 2024
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