LAKELAND, Fla. – Every Monday morning for the past 12 years Doug Mason has left his home in Clearwater at 5:00 a.m. to drive to the Children’s Homes offices in Lakeland where he served as the property manager for all campus facilities across the state.
Staff would often walk in the break room for coffee and find that he already had two tables covered with architectural drawings, permit applications, construction bids, and various other papers.
People would usually just give him a quick nod good morning as he would already be on his cell phone tending to the many details of the various properties across the state. He did not keep a formal office at the Children’s Homes as he either worked from home or was on the road for the remaining days of the week.
Dr. Jerry Haag, president of the Children’s Homes describes Mason as a person of kindness and grace. “His service to the children of this ministry has been remarkable and was always done with such kindness and grace. He used his God-given expertise to transform the lives of thousands of children.”
“Doug always drove a hard but fair deal to benefit the children and was never shy in telling the buyer or seller it was for the children’s homes,” Haag said.
Mason started as a volunteer with the Children’s Homes in 1972 as a member of the board of trustees. He served on the board for 26 years. However, in addition to normal board duties he was putting in nearly as many hours as most staff in his efforts to help with the Children’s Homes’ growing property needs. In 1997 the board told him that he could no longer function in a volunteer role. He had to become a staff person. He started in a part-time staff role working four days a week in January 1998.
“I can’t say that I argued very much when they wanted to pay me for what I had been doing for free for so many years. However, I can now safely say that I enjoyed it so much that I would have kept doing it for free,” Mason says with a chuckle.
Mason looks out the second story window of the Children’s Homes’ headquarters building in Lakeland. He gazes at the peaceful setting of Lake Hunter and reminisces about all that has taken place at the Children’s Homes over the years.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes at the Children’s Homes, but the biggest change has been the number of children and families that are being served. This organization has really grown.”
“When I started with the board of trustees in 1972 we had two campus locations: Lakeland and Miami. We now have six campuses and eight community ministry locations as well as the international childcare ministry. I also worked for six different presidents. That really puts time into its proper perspective.”
Mason notes that one of his fondest memories was seeing the renovation of the chapel on the Lakeland campus in 1999. “It was such a miracle in the way the renovation came about. And the chapel steeple is one of the first things I see every Monday morning when I drive onto the campus. That’s something I’m going to miss for sure.”
Mason has been a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater since 1949 where he has served in many different roles including deacon and on numerous committees. He was also instrumental in helping the church relocate to its new location.
Dr. Willy Rice, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist said that Mason found his passion and purpose in life in serving through the Children’s Homes.
“He believes in the ministry and knew that God could use his gifts and talents to make a difference in the lives of children facing tough circumstances. He has always been a champion for the Children’s Homes and he has helped keep that as a major focus at Calvary. He serves as a reminder that God does His work through ordinary people who use their gifts and time to serve others. Doug has made a difference,” Rice said.
Mason was born and raised in Clearwater. When asked if he has lived his entire life in Clearwater he smiles and says, “Well, not yet!”
Mason was a high school math teacher, where he also coached football and baseball for 18 years. From there he moved onto real estate and residential home development.
Many of his old friends remember his early years in Clearwater when he played for the old Clearwater Bombers fast-pitch softball team. He played with them for 18 years winning six national championships and four runner-up titles.
Mason himself was considered one of the nation’s most talented players and was eventually inducted into the Amateur Softball Association of America Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City in 1968. He was even selected by the U.S. State Department to conduct softball clinics in Southeast Asia and Australia as part of a cultural exchange program.
“That was a great experience. Five other players and I traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan to conduct softball clinics. I always loved softball, but it was quite an honor to be able represent my country in what was a great good will program,” Mason said.
Mason explains that his role with the Children’s Homes was part of God’s plan for his life. “Everything I ever did in life seemed to prepare me for this role. Whether it was my experience working with kids as a teacher and coach or my work in real estate, it all prepared me in some way for my work with the Children’s Homes.”
“I must also say that I wouldn’t have been able to commit the time that I did to the Children’s Homes if it hadn’t been for the support of my wife and family. I can’t begin to thank them for all they have done for me over the years.”
Mason, who will turn 79 next year, said that it just seemed to be the right time to finally call it quits. “My wife Shirley and I have five kids, 12 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. So we have plenty to keep us busy.”
Although he says he has no regrets about retiring he says that it was a labor of love that God called him to do.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Whether it was helping to design one of the cottages, winning a battle over a zoning issue, or making improvements to one of the Children’s Homes’ properties, it has been a labor of love. What a calling I have had from God!”
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