Reverend Carolyn Baskin-Bell
Senior Pastor
On October 27, 2019, the Reverend Carolyn Baskin-Bell was appointed the first female Pastor of the then 98-year-old First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Santa Monica by Bishop Clement W. Fugh, Presiding Prelate of Fifth Episcopal District.
Prior to her appointment to FAME Santa Monica, on October 15, 2015, Reverend Baskin-Bell was appointed the first female Pastor of the 107-year-old Second African Methodist Episcopal Church by Bishop T. Larry Kirkland. Under her leadership at Second, Christian Education efforts included: adding Church School classes, New Member’s Training, Wednesday evening Bible Study, Wednesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. Prayer and fasting, involving active participation of Youth in life of the church and providing Leadership and Stewardship Trainings. The church’s economic stability improved by reduction of debt, reactivation of rental properties as well as repairs and renovations of church property.
Reverend Carolyn Baskin-Bell is described as a faithful, fruitful and favored woman of God. She previously served as the Pastor of the Rose of Sharon AME Church in Bellflower, California. In June of 2006, Reverend Bell pursued the call and vision to plant the Rose of Sharon African Methodist Episcopal Church. Pastor Bell served as Founding Pastor of Rose of Sharon for nine years. Prior to church planting, Reverend Baskin-Bell was a member of Grant AME in Los Angeles for 23 years. At Grant, she served as a faithful associate minister for 10 years. She has fostered workshops and conferences designed to empower women and men in all aspects of their lives. Reverend Baskin-Bell’s ministry has granted her opportunities to preach, present and participate in pulpits and venues throughout the United States and Africa. Reverend Baskin-Bell presently serves as President of Fifth District AME Women in Ministry. She is also an instructor for the Southern California Conference Board of Examiners and member of Board of Trustees.
She is retired from Los Angeles County Office of Education where she served as a Speech Language Pathologist for 30 years in the capacity of Mentor and advocate for special needs students.
Reverend Baskin-Bell, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, holds a Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology; Master of Arts in School Management, University of La Verne; Master of Arts, Communication Disorders, University of California at Long Beach; Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders, Chapman University.
Some of her honors include:2017 Acknowledgement of Pastoral Community Participation in Ninth Council District by Councilperson Curren Price; 2016 Women of Influence Award by Windsor Hills Christian Center; 2016 SCC Women in Ministry Jarena Lee Leadership Award; 2013 Pastor of Year-RevSisters Gathering of LA; The Jarena Lee Sister’s Achievement Award in Ministry; Top Ladies of Distinction Woman of Excellence Award; Southern California Conference AME Women in Ministry Exceptional Leadership Award; City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Award for Service to Women in Transition; and the Los Angeles City Council Eighth District Award for Community Service. She was made a member of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. through the South Bay Alumni Chapter of Long Beach, California.
She is married to Larry Bell, her soul mate of 38 years. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Larissa and Carmena.
Reverend Baskin-Bell possesses a passion for people and desires to make a difference in the lives of those she encounters. She proclaims at all that she is and will be is according to God’s amazing grace.