Rev. Dr. Tyrone L. Skinner was born on February 23, 1957, in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of the late Wallace and Susie Skinner. He preached his first public sermon at the age of ten.  Pastor Skinner received his early training in the ministry at the Praises of Zion Baptist Church under the tutelage of the late Dr. J Benjamin Hardwick. In 1975, he moved to Dallas, Texas to attend Bishop College. He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1979. While in Dallas, Texas, he united with the First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park under the pastorate of the late Dr. J.L. Foster. Rev. Skinner decided to return to Los Angeles after completing his undergraduate studies.

In 1984, Rev. Skinner returned to Dallas, Texas to attend graduate school at Southern Methodist University (SMU). He again united with the First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park where he served as Administrative Assistant, Singles and Family Minister.  Rev. Skinner earned a Master of Divinity Degree from Perkins School of Theology at SMU in May 1989 and married his late wife Trudell Jones on July 29, 1989; and to this union two children were birthed, Tyler & Trinity.  It was August 1990 that Rev. Skinner was called to serve as Pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena.  Never forsaking his humble beginnings at Praises of Zion Rev. Skinner remained a constant presence in Ministry at Praise City.  It wasn't until the decline in health of his Father in Ministry Pastor Hardwick did he realize that those humble beginnings would come full circle forty plus years later with him becoming the Pastor of Praises of Zion.  

Pastoral Installation Sunday, November 23, 2025, was bitter sweet because pastor Hardwick always knew that he would entrust the ministry to his son Rev. Skinner, so for Pastor Hardwick to not  physically be  here to install his son as he wanted was difficult.

But to also know that this hand selected man for the job is a man seeking after God's Heart and is a man that will only be lead and directed by the Holy Spirit is a constant joy that we all share and comfortably rest in; this man is Dr. Reverend Tyrone L. Skinner;

"Appointed, Approved & Newly Installed Pastor of Praises of Zion Missionary Baptist Church “Praise City”

Rev. Dr. Joe Benjamin Hardwick was a devoted servant of God, a visionary leader, and the beloved organizing pastor of Praises of Zion Missionary Baptist Church “Praise City.” With a heart full of compassion and unwavering faith, he laid the foundation for a ministry that has flourished for more than 70 years and continues to touch lives across generations.

Born in Oklahoma, Pastor Hardwick felt the call to ministry early in life (17 years old) and answered it with unwavering dedication. He stepped boldly into God’s purpose for him, organizing Golden Gate Mission Church. In 1955, he went on to build and organize Praises of Zion Missionary Baptist Church “Praise City,” beginning with a small gathering of believers united by a passion for worship, fellowship, and community outreach. Through prayer, perseverance, and a deep love for people, Pastor Hardwick nurtured the ministry into a vibrant spiritual home for countless families.

Pastor Hardwick was known for his warm smile, encouraging words, and powerful preaching that inspired believers to live out their faith boldly. Beyond the pulpit, he served as a mentor, a friend, and a compassionate shepherd—walking with others through both joyful celebrations and seasons of sorrow.

His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the ministries he built, and the seeds of faith he planted throughout the community. While we celebrate his life and vast achievements, we rejoice in knowing he now rests in the presence of the Lord he served so faithfully.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Matthew 25:21