The Rev. Rod Bell Jr. spent weekends with his grandparents as a child in Gainesville and then began his pastoral career at McEver Road Baptist Church.

Now, after 21 years, Bell has returned to McEver Road Baptist to minister to even more local residents.

The church invited Bell on the first Sunday in October to preach, and then the congregation voted on appointing him as pastor.
"I had been at the church 21 years ago; it's unusual the way all that came together," Bell said. "I went in to help them because I knew they were without a pastor ... the Lord has just brought our hearts together and I am real thankful for that."

As Bell steers his new congregation in God's direction, he says unity is important.

"Well, I think the biggest (goal) is, our heart's desire, is our strong prayer for unity and fruit in our church family," Bell said. "Our desire, is to grow a conservative, well-rounded family, Christ-centered, family-oriented ministry"

Bell comes to Gainesville from Andrews Memorial Baptist Church of Graham, N.C. He is married to Shari Bell and has two daughters.

"We are still in the process of moving," Rod Bell Jr. said. "We have been going back and forth and hopefully we'll be moved very soon."

On Sunday, McEver Road Baptist will have an installation service for Bell. There will be a continental fellowship breakfast at 10 a.m. and at 11 a.m. Bell's father, the Rev. Rod Bell Sr., will preach. At 2 p.m. the Rev. Charlie Britt will speak. Britt has been pastor at McEver Road Baptist for 14 years.

"The 2 p.m. service we are especially inviting other pastors in the area, and meet the pastor," Bell said.