The Most Reverend Bishop Joseph H. Bell, Sr.
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The Most Reverend Bishop Joseph H. Bell, Sr.
Inaugurated September 22, 2001
Bishop Joseph H. Bell, Sr. was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. He accepted Christ as his personal savior and became a member of Mt. Olive Holy Church of Mt. Sinai Holy Church of America in January 1944, under the pastorate of its founder, the late Bishop Ida B. Robinson. Bishop Bell currently resides in Teaneck, New Jersey with his lovely wife of more than fifty years, Elder Minerva R. Bell.
They have been blessed with three children, eight grandchildren (including the Bell triplets), and one great grandchild. A learned science teacher, Bishop Joseph Bell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Science from Howard University, a Master of Arts degree in Science Education from Columbia University and courses leading to Certification in Supervision and Administration from City College, Fordham University and Columbia University. In addition, he studied at Sarah Lawrence College and Yeshiva University under National Science Foundation Grants and Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics during 1960’s.
Concurrently with his studies in the sciences, Bishop Bell was pursuing his calling to the ministry as a man of God. He delivered his initial sermon in 1964 and was ordained an Elder in 1970. The Mt. Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc. consecrated him to the Bishopric in 1974. He received a degree in Biblical Studies from the Hawthorne Bible School in Hawthorne, New Jersey.
Upon the passing of his father, Bishop James Bell in July 1990, the Board of Directors of Mt. Sinai Holy Church appointed Bishop Joseph Bell pastor of the Bethel Holy Church in New York City. He had assisted his father in a broadcast ministry that spanned a period of 38 years, from 1949 to 1987. Bishop Joseph Bell also served as assistant to the pastor and served the church in many administrative capacities. He served Bethel as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Church Secretary. As the present pastor of Bethel Holy Church, Bishop Joseph Bell has established an outreach ministry that includes a soup kitchen, clothing distribution and food pantry program. The ministry also serves parents and their children in dealing with social, peer and academic issues. Once a month he conducts a chapel service for the Florence Nightingale Health Center in New York City. In 1995, Bishop Bell initiated the launch of the Bethel Community Bible Institute, which is a fully accredited institution.
Bishop Bell has served the Mt. Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc. in various capacities. He served as the president of the National Youth Convention and is presently active as a part of the support system for the youth of Mt. Sinai. He is a member of the Board of Presbyters and the Board of Bishops. He has been a dedicated member of the Board of Directors since 1971. Prior to being promoted to the presidency of Mt. Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc. in February, 2001, Bishop Bell served the corporate church as it’s General Secretary and Secretary of the Board of Directors from 1982. He was faithful and dedicated in service to the two preceding presidents of the Mt. Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc., the late Bishop Mary E. Jackson and his immediate predecessor, the late Bishop Amy B. Stevens.
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Bishop Joseph H. Bell, Sr.
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