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Ashley Beach-Reid, flanked by her son, pays tribute to her dad.Nelson A. King<\/p>\nHundreds tried their best in coping with the sweltering heat in the sanctuary of St. Mark\u2019s United Methodist Church (SMUMC) on Monday, July 13, while paying their last respects to popular Brooklyn pastor the Rev. Dr. Glyger Beach, who died on June 29 after a long battle with Alzheimer\u2019s disease. He was 74.<\/p>\n
There was standing-room-only at the un-air conditioned church on Beverley Road and Ocean Avenue in Flatbush, Brooklyn, as mourners, including several members of the clergy and the United Methodist and New York communities, demonstrated their love for the Vincentian-born preacher who \u201cfaithfully answered God\u2019s call by serving others with humility, generosity, wisdom and unwavering faith,\u201d according to the obituary.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 2 \u00bd-hour-long funeral service \u2014 presided over by the Rev. Morais G. Quissico, the current pastor of SMUMC \u2014 was punctuated with lofty singing, Scripture readings and glowing tributes, among others.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore he was Pastor Beach to the world, he was dad to us,\u201d said Ashley Beach-Reid, Rev. Beache\u2019s last daughter, paying tribute on behalf of her siblings. \u201cLong before we understood the significance of any title, we knew the man behind them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ashley Beach-Reid, flanked by her son, pays tribute to her dad.Nelson A. King<\/p>\n
\u201cWe knew the father who laughed with us, sang with us, challenged us, prayed over us, and loved us without condition,\u201d she added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Beach-Reid said one of her dad\u2019s favorite hymns was \u201cThere Is Something About That Name.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\u201cHe sang it often, not simply because he loved the melody, but because he believed with all his heart in the power of the name of Jesus,\u201d she said. \u201cLooking back, we realize he lived that same lesson in our home.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHe not only gave us his name; he gave us an example \u2014 a blueprint upon which to build our lives,\u201d Beach-Reid added. \u201cDad was intentional about making sure we knew we belonged. We proudly carried the Beach name; and. for some of us, he lovingly wove his own name into ours.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBut perhaps what meant the most was that he never simply called us his children,\u201d she continued. \u201cEach of us carried a title that reflected how he saw us and how deeply he loved us. They were affirmations. They reminded us that we were seen, known, cherished, and deeply loved.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDad taught us that faith wasn\u2019t something reserved for Sunday mornings \u2014 it was the foundation for everyday living,\u201d Beach-Reid said. \u201cWhen life became difficult, he didn\u2019t tell us to panic; he told us to pray. He reminded us that God would always take care of his children. He taught us to come as we are before God the Father. We were expected to strive for righteousness, but never to pretend to be perfect. He taught us to guard our peace and choose joy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Crispin Friday, president of the Brooklyn-based umbrella Vincentian group, Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO), said several of COSAGO-led St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ecumenical Independence Anniversary Church Services were held at SMUMC under Revs. Beach and Quissico\u2019s pastorship.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHe (Rev. Beach) asked us not to turn our backs on our people,\u201d he said. \u201cEach time he gave his message, he left us in awe.\u201d
\n![\"Rev.](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1195.jpg\")
Rev. Beach\u2019s widow, Candace Beach, second from left, in front pew, with Rev. Beach\u2019s eldest daughter, Leticia, left, front pew, and other family members.Nelson A. King\n<\/p>\n
New York State Sen. Kevin Parker, representative for the 21st Senate District in Brooklyn, said Pastor Beach was his mentor.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was the person who prayed for me,\u201d the told mourners, disclosing that he was delighted to honor Pastor Beach in the New York State Senate.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\u201cHis memory will be in our hearts,\u201d Parker added.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
In eulogizing Rev. Beach, the Rev. Cecil Stone, senior pastor of Springfield Gardens United Methodist Church in Queens, said that \u201cno matter what we\u2019re going through in life, we have something to thank God for.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNo matter what we\u2019re going through, this, too, will pass,\u201d he said. \u201cAs we bear witness to our brother, we can understand what he went through.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWeeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning,\u201d Pastor Stone added. \u201cI believe my brother is lifting his hand and saying, \u2018Father, I stretch my hands to thee\u2026\u2019 The trumpet shall sound and, even so, it is well with my soul.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Rev. Patrick G. Perrin, a native of Spanish Town, Jamaica and a retired Elder in the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, told Caribbean Life afterwards that \u201cthe passing of the Rev. Dr. Glyger Beach leaves a void and calls us to reflect on the life of a faithful servant of God.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rev. Perrin, currently residing in St. Albans, Queens, said that when he began ministry in the South Caribbean District in 1973, he\u2019d heard about a young preacher from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who was expected to enter ministry in the Caribbean but who had opted instead to enter ministry in the US.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was the Rev. Fitz John of blessed memory who told me about Glyger, and I looked forward to meeting him with great anticipation,\u201d Rev. Perrin disclosed. \u201cFitz was Glyger\u2019s cousin.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFast forward to 1984, when I was invited to be the pastor of the Ebenezer Wesleyan Methodist Church in Brooklyn and finally met the young and vibrant minister of the gospel,\u201d he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Rev. Perris said Dr. Beach was \u201cvery intentional about helping many in this immigrant community become permanent residents and eventually citizens.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile he served in Queens, he was very active in the South East Queens cluster of churches, which organized and got the Rev Dr. Floyd Flakes, pastor of the Greater Allen Cathedral, elected to Congress,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cRev. Beach knew that a glorious church was the \u2018church militant\u2019 here on earth, serving boldly and faithfully as soldiers of Christ,\u201d Rev. Perrin added. \u201cBut he also knew that the glorious church would be consummated in heaven and that, one day, he would be a part of that Church Triumphant with our Risen and Ascended Lord.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd so, he fought the good fight with all his might,\u201d he continued. \u201cChrist was his strength and Christ his right. He laid hold on life. And now, he receives his joy and crown eternally. I give God thanks that Glyger became a part of my life\u2019s journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
In reading the obituary, the Rev. Dr. Gennifer Brooks, an ordained Elder and full clergy member of the New York Conference of the United Methodist Church, said Rev. Beach, who was born on July 13, 1951, \u201canswered God\u2019s call, served God\u2019s people, and left God\u2019s world better than he found it.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1218-rotated-e1784580139712.jpg\")
The Rev. Dr. Gennifer Brooks reads the obituary.Nelson A. King<\/p>\n
\u201cWell done, good and faithful servant,\u201d she said, referring to Matthew 25:23. \u201cWhether standing behind a pulpit, beside a hospital bed, comforting soldiers in Iraq, mentoring future pastors, or simply sharing a conversation over coffee, he devoted his life to helping people discover God\u2019s love and their God-given purpose.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cRev. Dr. Glyger Glenroy Beach entered into eternal rest on June 29, 2026 after faithfully living a life devoted to God, family, country and community,\u201d added Dr. Brooks, stating that Rev. Beach\u2019s educational journey \u201creflected both determination and a deep desire to prepare himself for God\u2019s work.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said he began his higher education at Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, TX, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree, before continuing his studies at Wiley College in Texas.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He later earned his bachelor\u2019s degree from Scarritt College in Nashville, TN, followed by a Master of Divinity degree in 1978 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in 1980 from Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, NJ.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In 1994, Dr. Brooks said Dr. Beach was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Theology from the California Graduate School of Theology (now Haven University).\n<\/p>\n
While attending John Wesley United Methodist Church in Brooklyn, under the leadership of Rev. Elemit A. Brooks, Dr. Brooks said Rev. Beach publicly answered God\u2019s call to ministry.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat calling became the defining purpose of his life,\u201d she said. \u201cThroughout nearly 39 years of pastoral ministry, he faithfully shepherded congregations across New York, proclaiming the Gospel with conviction, compassion, and joy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Brooks said Rev. Beach served St. Stephen\u2019s United Methodist Church (1978\u20131982), becoming its first Black pastor; Grace United Methodist Church (1982\u20131991); Metropolitan United Methodist Church (1991\u20131996); John Wesley United Methodist Church (1996\u20132000); Vandeveer Park United Methodist Church (2000\u20132004); St. Mark\u2019s United Methodist Church in Harlem (2006\u20132010); and St. Mark\u2019s United Methodist Church in Brooklyn (2010\u20132016).<\/p>\n
Beyond the pulpit, Dr. Brooks said Rev. Beach invested deeply in people.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\u201cHe encouraged emerging pastors, mentored young leaders, championed youth ministry, inspired others to pursue education, and remained connected to countless individuals long after his pastoral appointments had ended,\u201d he said. \u201cWhether encouraging someone to return to school, discern a call to ministry, or simply trust God\u2019s plan, he consistently reminded others that God had more in store for their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Brooks said Dr. Beach\u2019s commitment to service also extended to his country.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a chaplain in the United States Army Reserve, he faithfully ministered to soldiers and their families, eventually attaining the rank of colonel,\u201d she said. \u201cDuring Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005, he provided spiritual care and comfort in the midst of conflict, carrying both the burdens of those who served and the hope of the Gospel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Brooks said Dr. Beach\u2019s distinguished military service was recognized with numerous honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and many other commendations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout his life, Rev. Beach pursued excellence with humility,\u201d she said. \u201cHis degrees reflected his pursuit of knowledge; his military honors reflected his faithful service. But his greatest distinction was not found in titles, accolades or rank. It was his unwavering commitment to answer God\u2019s call, faithfully serve His people, and point others to Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven as he courageously lived with Alzheimer\u2019s disease for more than a decade, Rev. Beach\u2019s life continued to testify to the faith he had preached for so many years,\u201d Dr. Brooks added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHis legacy is not measured only by the churches he served or the honors he received, but by the countless lives he touched, the leaders he encouraged, the families he strengthened, the soldiers he comforted, the couples he united in marriage, the children he baptized and dedicated, the grieving families he comforted, and the many individuals he faithfully led to Jesus Christ,\u201d she continued.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Rev. Beach is \u201clovingly survived\u201d by, among others, his devoted wife, Candace Beach; his children, Leticia Beach, Ashley Beach-Reid (Reggie), Stephen Beach, Christian Beach, Justin Beach and Andrew Clunis; his cherished grandchildren, Aiden Reid, Isaiah Reid, Zoe Clunis, Jaiya Walker and Jadah Walker; his siblings, Kerita Charles, Arlette \u201cGoodie\u201d Beach, Nerissa Bradshaw, Vincent \u201cBrods\u201d Beach and Hazel Beach.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Muriel Beach; his sisters, Monica Hunt, Gloria Beach, and Ingrid Beach; and his brothers, Vibert \u201cBobbie\u201d Cadogan and \u201cBrother Hugh.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Hundreds tried their best in coping with the sweltering heat in the sanctuary of St. Mark\u2019s United Methodist…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":301081,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[98,100,99,9,24,63],"class_list":["post-301080","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-brooklyn","tag-brooklyn","tag-brooklyn-headlines","tag-brooklyn-news","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-nyc"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/301080","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=301080"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/301080\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/301081"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=301080"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=301080"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=301080"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}