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Richard E. Hassell
Presiding Elder Montgomery Phenix City Opelika District
Richard E. Hassell, a life-long CME, was born in
Memphis, TN and baptized in Greenwood CME
church in Memphis. He has served as pastor of Salem
CME Church in Jackson TN, Sheeler Memorial CME
Church in Houston TX, and Bethel CME Church in
Tadmor TX.
He is a retired Senior Analyst from Shell and
Texaco; an Air Force veteran educated in
Memphis School system, The University of
Memphis, and the College of Biblical Studies, Houston, TX. After serving in the
Air Force, he worked for the US Postal Service, and then joined the Texaco
Corporation. He was transferred from Memphis TN to Nashville TN where he
attended ST Luke CME Church. Later Richard was again transferred by his
employer, Texaco, to Atlanta GA where he was a member of Butler Street CME
Church. He served on the Steward Board. Again transferred by Texaco to
Houston TX, he and his family joined Metropolitan CME Church. Richard served
as a steward and Sunday School Teacher and was later elected to Chairman of
the Steward Board where he served many years under the pastorate of Rev. W. E.
Lockett. He was ordained deacon, elder and elected into full connection under
Bishop Marshall Gilmore.
Richard has served the church and community in many capacities including Joint
board for the Southeast Texas Region, President of the Houston District
Ministerial Alliance, Leader and Organizer for TMO of the Industrial Areas
Foundation. He was instrumental in the work for the survivors from New
Orleans after Katrina, and President of the Independence Heights
Redevelopment Council.
Richard is married to Carolyn Hassell, also a lifetime CME. They have three
children; Randall, Brent and Marcus: three grandchildren; Kendall, Jelani and
Brynn.
Rev. Hassell believes in lifelong learning. He has attended various training
seminars and courses in Christian Education, prayer ministry, and preaching. He
loves God and is committed to the building of God’s kingdom Richard greatest
spiritual influence was his grandfather, Rev John Bowen, a local preacher at
Wiggins Chapel CME church in Lewisburg MS.