Parishioners React To Rev. Bell's Dismissal at Saint Paul Baptist Church

Tools

Parishioners React To Rev. Bell's Dismissal at Saint Paul Baptist Church

WKTV News

Story Created: Mar 2, 2008 at 5:35 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 2, 2008 at 8:38 PM EDT

Sunday Morning, church-goers at Saint Paul Baptist Church attended the first service since voting to dismiss Reverend Bell on Friday. More than 100 members took a vote on whether Reverend Bell could keep his job. Most voted to let him go and those we spoke with say it's time to move on.

"It's really sad that something like this happened but sometimes you know, we didn't have a choice. Things weren't going right, a lot of people were unhappy and disappointed and we just had to make a change," said Deacon Jesse Bell.

Bell was given a sixty day notice once the vote was made. Members say he can try to argue the vote, but they have spoken and he must leave in two months.

Some parishioners do say they still support Reverend Bell and they hope the church can work out the problems to keep Bell at Saint Paul Baptist Church.

Friday, May 16 at 7:12 PM member wrote ...

This pastor wasn't pleasing God. When he's scattering his sheep,and making sure his pockets are fat wheather the church has what it needs or not.he didn't please the people either by bankrupting the church out of the 3 years he'd been there. He condemned himself by not practicing what the bible told him and us to do i suggest sheila know the facts of the case and her bible. For this is our right to make changes if the pastor is not feeding us from the bible and just getting his paycheck.

Flag for moderation

Wednesday, May 14 at 2:52 PM Sheila wrote ...

Pastors at any church can never please God and People, his Job is to do Gods will and only his. He is a choosen one to be a pastor you the people are not. Whoo to you so called Christains if this is not Gods will, so when you have condeemed a preacher you have also condeemed God as well. Have you read the Bible and practiced what you preach?

Flag for moderation

Wednesday, Mar 5 at 9:30 PM Concerned Community member wrote ...

It's a shame that very few people have focused on the impact this situation has had on the YOUTH of St. Paul's. Knowing some of the teens and their parents, I know that they seem to be the forgotten ones in this situation. They used to have such a strong teen ministry, but now they seem to have vanished, and seem disillusioned with both the pastor and his supporters. It obviously is not a concern about money with them. So, while we are all praying for St.Paul's, don't forget the children.

Flag for moderation

Wednesday, Mar 5 at 4:50 PM Minister wrote ...

I wasn't trying to say no one prayed about this unfortunate situation. I'm sure both sides prayed. However since the vote wasnt unanimous one side obviously didnt vote according to God's will. Both sides can't be right

Flag for moderation

Wednesday, Mar 5 at 7:34 AM Former Member wrote ...

I haven't atttended St. Paul's since graduating from college. At the time of my membership Rev. Upthegrove was Pastor. All I can say is St. Paul's has been through MANY pastor's since his leaving, and evidently the church needs to do a self-check on what the problem is. There is no perfect church, that is, until we reach heaven. In addition, some of my family still attends the church, however many have left since Rev. Bell, stating some of the same concerns. I pray that God will send a healing.

Flag for moderation

Tuesday, Mar 4 at 10:37 AM Rev. Dr. Johnny M. Wilson Jr. wrote ...

As a former pastor of St. Paul's, I'am truly saddened for all parties involved. My prayers are with you.

Flag for moderation

Monday, Mar 3 at 10:22 PM anonymous wrote ...

Exactly how does a Rev. come to earn almost 1/3 of the church's budget? That's unheard of!

Flag for moderation

Monday, Mar 3 at 3:54 PM Member wrote ...

I casted my vote for the dismissal of Rev. Bell because the church had been going the many months of turmoil however there was not attempt to reconcile the church. We need some healing at this point and I pray for our church everyday and I prayed that God's will was done

Flag for moderation

Monday, Mar 3 at 12:40 PM Anonymous wrote ...

It is quite amazing how so many "other Christian" can think that the decision made at St Paul's was not made after much fasting and praying for God's will to be done.

Flag for moderation

Sunday, Mar 2 at 10:40 PM Minister wrote ...

Luke 22:42 ends in these words by Jesus the Christ. "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." I pray the decision the congregation came to was God's will and not their's

Flag for moderation

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

NBC-WKTV News Channel 2 and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Weather On Demand

Weather Radar
Icon
Current Temp 60 °F
Fair
Wind : From the Southeast at 6 MPH
Humidity : 80 %
Pressure : 30.10" (1019.2 mb) in.
Wind Chill : 60 °F
More Weather

On Demand

AP Video

Stock Quotes

Permanent Client link holder
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On

8.00
america's got talent
10.00
democratic national convention

Viewer Poll

Are you going to the New York State Fair?

  • Yes, I'm going for a concert
  • Yes, I'm going for the exhibits
  • Yes, I'm going for the food
  • Yes, I'm going as a vendor or exhibitor
  • Yes, for more than one of the above
  • No, I am not going