Mt. Bethel Elects New Moderator

and Vice Moderators

Repair, Restore. Reimagine
Isaiah 58:12

Raymond C. Bell serves as the Founding and Organizing Senior Pastor of Spirit of Love and Deliverance (SOLAD) Baptist Church in Temple Hills, MD since January 8, 2012. He was born the second child to Frankie Jean Webster and the late Clarence David Bell, Sr. in Beaumont, Texas.  His father died when Dr. Bell was six (6) years old and his mother remarried to a minister the late Rev. Ernest Edward Jones, Sr. making him the product of a large blended family of 13.

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Dr. Bell was educated at the Bingman Elementary & Pipkin Elementary Schools, Bowie Middle School; and French High School all of Beaumont, TX. He further received a Associate of Applied Science Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology both from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas; a Master of Divinity Degree from Virginia Union University Proctor School of Theology (graduating magnum cum laude) and a Masters of Arts in Christian Education Degree from the Union Presbyterian Seminary both in Richmond, Virginia. He also has an earned PhD in Biblical Preaching at the Newburgh Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana.  He is the author of "You Showed Off!: Preaching in Context." He just completed a residency at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Dr. Bell has received an Outstanding Clergy Award (2019) by Radio One 104.1; Unsung Heroes given by DC Downtown Cluster of Churches Geriatric Center (2012); the Jobs with Justice “I’ll Be There" Award (2012); the Clergy of the Year by Howard University Hospital (2012); Martin Luther King, Community Service Award from Gospel Rescue Ministries (2010); Humanitarian Award from the Hip Hop Ministry (2009); the District of Columbia Ward Five Council on Education’s Outstanding community Volunteer, (2005); Paul Lawrence Dunbar Senior High School’s Award of Appreciation for Outstanding Service (2005); Department of Army Certificate of Appreciation (1998); the Virginia Union University, Dean's Academic Excellence Award (1997); Adam Clayton Powell Scholarship Award (2 consecutive years, 1995 & 1996). Also he has been awarded with the St. Joseph's Villa Team Leadership Award (1996); Tri-County MH/MR Team of Excellence Award (1993); The National Dean’s List Honorary Award (1992); and The Kappa Alpha Psi Outstanding Service Award (1982).

Dr. Bell was the Convener and local organizer for the March for Justice (Jena II) in 2008 and the Host and local organizing pastor for Congress of National Black Churches in 2010. Dr. Bell lead the $32.5 million dollar renovation of Gibson Plaza located in Washington, DC. 

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Dr. Bell is a member of the Missionary Baptist Minister’s Conference of DC & Vicinity; the Wednesday Clergy Fellowship; the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; and Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons—Fellowship Lodge #26. He the Founding Board Member & Vice -President of Central Clergy-Police-Community Partnership of DC; Former Chair of the Workers Rights Board of DC; Former Board Member of Baptist Convention of DC & Vicinity; Former Treasurer and Board member of One Church One Child—DC Chapter; and a founding board member of National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS--DC Chapter. He is also co-founder and Vice-President of the The Kenny Foundation, Inc.  He is former pastor of Potomac Baptist Church of Hague, VA (1998-2003) and First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Washington, DC (2003-2012). Dr

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Dr. Bell has been blessed to carry his ministry across the country where he has lectured, preached and taught in numerous conferences, conventions, commencements, retreats, revivals and other special events. He has become very sensitive to the spiritual needs of individuals, and therefore focuses his ministry primarily, but not exclusively toward persons who are hurting—especially in the church and community. Finally, Pastor Bell seeks to empower and uplift all humanity through the life-changing, uncompromising Word of God.

Dr. Bell is married to the former C. LaVerne White, One son Kenneth (deceased), one (1) granddaughter, Esperanza Williams and Orieonna Harris.