The Reverend Dr. Angela R. Bess, Senior Pastor

Dr. Angela R. Bess is an ordained Itinerant Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She was married to the late Reverend Clarence E. Bess, Senior Minister of Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, Riviera Beach, where she served as a prayerful partner in “Team Ministry” until his passing in December 2018. Born to their “Blessed Union” are two wonderful daughters: Terricka and Bre’Juana. In the recent years, there has been the addition of two amazing grandchildren:

Macaiah and Major.

Dr. Bess serves faithfully in several capacities; most importantly on September 27, 2019, at the seat of the South Florida Annual Conference Dr. Bess received her first pastoral appointment by the serving Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District, Bishop Adam J. Richardson. Dr. Bess became the proud pastor of Adams Tabernacle of Faith A.M.E. Church located in Pembroke Pines, Florida. In 2022, at the seat of the 11th Episcopal District Planning Meeting the Reverend Dr. Angela Bess was appointed by Bishop Frank Madison Reid III to serve as the pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church located in West Palm Beach, Florida. History was made, in 123 years of

existence, Reverend Dr. Angela Bess was the first female to be appointed as pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church.

Dr. Bess served the Episcopal Level Church as the Vice - Chair of the Commission on Schools and Universities for the 11th Episcopal District – State of Florida and the Bahamas. She has also served the Annual Conference and District level Board of Examiners as well as the Episcopal level Christian Education Department. Dr. Bess currently serves as a member of the

Conference Board of Trustees for South Florida. She is also a member of the Conference Ministerial Efficiency Committee.

Dr. Bess’ lifelong mission has been committed to social justice. She served several years by appointment of the Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice to the Florida Supreme Court Steering Committee on Families and Children in the Court (FCC). A goal of the FCC is keeping children in school and out of the court system. Dr. Bess served a three-year term as Chair of

Palm Beach County Reentry Task Force. She currently serves the Palm Beach County Reentry Task Force as the Faith Based Committee Chair.

Dr. Bess is employed with the School District of Palm Beach County and serves as the District Administrator of School -Justice Programs. She is most committed to the work of the Court Education Liaison Program where she collaborates with the Juvenile Judges of the 15th Circuit, Senior Leadership of the District, state, and local agencies in an effort to assist court

involved students and families.

Dr. Bess earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, a Master of Science Degree in Pre-K/Primary Education, and a Doctor of Education Degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Educational Leadership.

Dr. Bess gracefully pledged and is a very proud sister of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Bess is active in “giving back” by promoting an agenda for growth and development of youth. She uses her many talents and skills in service to the community and is an example of servant leadership. While serving as Special Projects Coordinator of her denomination (Florida), Dr. Bess was instrumental in establishing the partnership which exists between The

Department of Juvenile Justice Chaplaincy Program and the faith-based community. In fact, Community Social Justice, Inc. is a non-profit organization developed in commemoration of her late husband and their lifelong commitment to social justice issues.

Dr. Bess has been acknowledged by many for her service, dedication, and contributions as a community leader who strives to make a positive impact in the world. Reverend Dr. Angela R. Bess is a woman of God, who loves God and who loves the people of God. It is for this reason

that she continues to fight the good fight of faith. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!