Orville Bell

EDITOR’S NOTE: A church community is created when people gather together for the love of God. At the same time, Saint Philip’s is comprised of many people who represent different ages, life experiences, and world views.

The “In conversation…” series is one attempt to create possibilities for connection between the different people in our community. As varied as we all are, there are also similarities and mutual interests waiting to be discovered. And there is one thing we all share: a desire to know God and be in relationship with him.

This week’s conversation is with parishioner Orville Bell.

How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
It’s been three years now.

How did you find your way to Saint Philip’s?
I was part of a social awareness group and one of the members suggested that we visit Saint Philip’s to see the Saint John’s Bible. It’s no surprise that I was impressed by the physical beauty of the church. But frankly, Fr Peter’s warm welcome made just as much of an impact on me.

Which Sunday service do you typically attend?
The 9:00 o’clock service.

Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I was. My father was Episcopalian and my mother was Roman Catholic. My father was old school and ascribed to the tradition that children joined the mother’s denomination. So my sister and I were brought up in the Roman Catholic church and attended parochial school. My advanced degree is from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.

What about Saint Philip’s speaks to you?
I live in SaddleBrooke so I can tell you it “ain’t” the travel to and from service on Sunday! But what makes the long trip worth the effort is the warmth of this community; the friendliness and openness are genuine.

And then there’s the liturgy. It’s dignity and the extraordinary music that we enjoy here are exceptional. I sang in choruses during high school and in college I was a member of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. Much of the music I hear on Sunday mornings are pieces that I sang at one time or another. That familiarity adds a layer to my worship experience.

How would you describe Saint Philip’s to someone unfamiliar with the parish?
Saint Philip’s is a community that believes in connecting…with newcomers, with each other, and with the wider community.

One example is my own experience. I sit in pretty much the same spot every Sunday. Two other people have their regular seats in the same pew. When one of us doesn’t attend a Sunday service, we check in with each other to make sure all is ok. I really appreciate and like that.

Saint Philip’s clergy are grounded in their faith and are able to connect with the congregation. Every single sermon—regardless of who preaches—is clearly well prepared. That impresses me especially because I know they devote a great amount of time to that.

An adjective I would use is “variety.” There is a huge range of ages here. And what surprises me is that I love to see the kids running up and down the breezeway. If I were somewhere else I would find that distracting. But here I think it’s just wonderful. And as part of that, I love that the children are included in the service instead of compartmentalized. 

What did you do professionally before you retired?
I was an educator. I taught high school English in Montgomery County, Maryland and, for 18 years, simultaneously served as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland where I taught contemporary dramatic literature.

In my 50’s, I returned to New York City and worked at Queens College. I was the Assistant Director of a program that offered tremendous support for marginalized students. In 2003, I was invited to be part of the team that opened the Harvey Milk High School in New York City for LGBTQ+ youth. That was an unusual opportunity and broadened my world as much as the students we supported.

Where do you work now?
I lead corporate tours at Biosphere 2. It’s another form of teaching and lets me meet all sorts of interesting people.

What’s one of your guiding principles?
Be kind. Be respectful.

What’s one of your super powers?
I’m a great active listener. I think one of the most important gifts I can offer people is time, so I make a point of trying to be present in the moment.

What have I not asked that you would like to share?
I’ve had a very, very fortunate life. Not everything was perfect but it was wonderful and instructive. And you know why? Because I had purpose.

And what has been your purpose?
To be present. To embrace the opportunities presented to me. To engage in all that life offers.

I don’t believe in coincidence; everything has a purpose. I may not know what that meaning is initially; however, if am open to exploring and discovering, then understanding will follow.

How do you refresh yourself?
I love to learn and try new things. One year my project was stained glass. Another year it was leather work. SaddleBrooke offers lectures and courses in a plethora of subjects and I attend many of them. I’m happily very busy!

Missed an interview? All previous interviews can be found on Saint Philip’s website under the “About Us” tab. Click here to visit that page.