Bishop Joseph Edison Bass;92;of Monessen;died Thursday;July 24;1997;at home. Born Sept.30;1904;in Starr Place;Ga.;he was the son of the late William and Lettie Bass. Bishop Bass had been pastor of Gate of Heaven Church of God in Christ Inc.;Monessen for 56 years. A veteran;he was a member of the United States Calvary;Buffalo Soldier;which was an all-Black regime. Bishop Bass also served as assistant pastor of Morningside Church of God in Christ for seven years prior to arriving in Monessen. Under Bishop Bass’leadership;the church membership increased and eventually the current house of worship was constructed. He received several commendations from former President George Bush and former governor Robert P.Casey. He also conducted a radio ministry; The Light of the World Hour for 12 years. He has held numerous offices in the church;including chairman of the Ordination Board;district superintendent of the Uniontown District (which includes four churches);and chairman of the Elders Council of the Western Pennsylvania Jurisdiction. He retired in 1965 from the Monessen plant of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp. In addition to his parents;he was preceded in death by his wife;Mary Velma Watts Bass;a son;Lloyd Dwight Bass;and a brother;Arthur E.Bass. Surviving are four daughters;Wilma J.Keys;Izetta E.Bass;Ruth A.Bass and Doris P.Bass-Wade; all of Monessen;five sons;Joseph E.Bass of Altoona;J.Richard Bass and William C.;Both of Monessen;Edwin C.Bass of St.Louis;Mo.;and Wayne M.Bass of Ansonia;Conn.;24 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Friends will be received Sunday from noon to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday from 2 to 4 and 5 to 9 p.m. in Gate of Heaven Church of God in Christ Church;644 Reed Ave.;Monessen. A special memorial program will be conducted at the church Monday at 7 p.m. and funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Elder William C.Bass;assistant pastor;and Bishop J.E.Bass Jr.;sons of Bishop Bass;officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the White Memorial Chapel of Point Breeze.