On Jan 21, 2001, Rev. Lenzy E. Bell was given the honor and the privilege to preach his first sermon as the Pastor-elect of the First United Baptist Church in Kalamazoo, Mi., 821 S. Burdick St. Rev. Bell and his wife Lori of 16 years, bring a lot of experience and energy to First United. Rev. Bell has five children; Terrence, Everett, Ci'Erah, Len'Nisha and Lenzy Jr.
Rev. Bell was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan where as a young man attended New Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Milton McAfee. In 1977, Rev. Bell moved to Kalamazoo, MI., after being accepted at Western Micigan University(WMU), where he received a BA Degree in Communications. He later returned to receive his Masters in Educational Leadership in 1996.
After graduating from WMU, Rev. Bell became an active member of Galilee Baptist Church. He served for 15 years as the Director of the Children's Gospel Choir. He also taught the Young Adult Sunday School Class.
In 1986 Pastor Bell received his call to preach, and began serving under the founder the late Pastor, Mabry Gardner, who licensed him to preach in 1987. He was in the preparation stages for ordination under the late Pastor Asa Dawson, but due to his untimely death the process was completed by the General Baptist Convention headed by Rev. J.E. Witcher and Rev. Samuel Greer Jr.
