Hundreds bid farewell to popular Brooklyn pastor the Rev. Dr. Glyger Beach

Hundreds tried their best in coping with the sweltering heat in the sanctuary of St. Mark’s 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’s disease. He was 74.

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 “faithfully answered God’s call by serving others with humility, generosity, wisdom and unwavering faith,” according to the obituary. 

The 2 ½-hour-long funeral service — presided over by the Rev. Morais G. Quissico, the current pastor of SMUMC — was punctuated with lofty singing, Scripture readings and glowing tributes, among others. 

“Before he was Pastor Beach to the world, he was dad to us,” said Ashley Beach-Reid, Rev. Beache’s last daughter, paying tribute on behalf of her siblings. “Long before we understood the significance of any title, we knew the man behind them. 

“We knew the father who laughed with us, sang with us, challenged us, prayed over us, and loved us without condition,” she added. 

Beach-Reid said one of her dad’s favorite hymns was “There Is Something About That Name.” 

“He 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,” she said. “Looking back, we realize he lived that same lesson in our home. 

“He not only gave us his name; he gave us an example — a blueprint upon which to build our lives,” Beach-Reid added. “Dad 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. 

“But perhaps what meant the most was that he never simply called us his children,” she continued. “Each 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. 

“Dad taught us that faith wasn’t something reserved for Sunday mornings — it was the foundation for everyday living,” Beach-Reid said. “When life became difficult, he didn’t 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.”

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’s pastorship. 

“He (Rev. Beach) asked us not to turn our backs on our people,” he said. “Each time he gave his message, he left us in awe.”

New York State Sen. Kevin Parker, representative for the 21st Senate District in Brooklyn, said Pastor Beach was his mentor. 

“He was the person who prayed for me,” the told mourners, disclosing that he was delighted to honor Pastor Beach in the New York State Senate. 

“His memory will be in our hearts,” Parker added. 

In eulogizing Rev. Beach, the Rev. Cecil Stone, senior pastor of Springfield Gardens United Methodist Church in Queens, said that “no matter what we’re going through in life, we have something to thank God for. 

“No matter what we’re going through, this, too, will pass,” he said. “As we bear witness to our brother, we can understand what he went through. 

“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning,” Pastor Stone added. “I believe my brother is lifting his hand and saying, ‘Father, I stretch my hands to thee…’ The trumpet shall sound and, even so, it is well with my soul.”

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 “the passing of the Rev. Dr. Glyger Beach leaves a void and calls us to reflect on the life of a faithful servant of God.”

Rev. Perrin, currently residing in St. Albans, Queens, said that when he began ministry in the South Caribbean District in 1973, he’d 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. 

“It was the Rev. Fitz John of blessed memory who told me about Glyger, and I looked forward to meeting him with great anticipation,” Rev. Perrin disclosed. “Fitz was Glyger’s cousin. 

“Fast 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,” he added. 

Rev. Perris said Dr. Beach was “very intentional about helping many in this immigrant community become permanent residents and eventually citizens. 

“While 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,” he said. 

“Rev. Beach knew that a glorious church was the ‘church militant’ here on earth, serving boldly and faithfully as soldiers of Christ,” Rev. Perrin added. “But 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.

“And so, he fought the good fight with all his might,” he continued. “Christ 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’s journey.”

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, “answered God’s call, served God’s people, and left God’s world better than he found it.

“Well done, good and faithful servant,” she said, referring to Matthew 25:23. “Whether 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’s love and their God-given purpose. 

“Rev. Dr. Glyger Glenroy Beach entered into eternal rest on June 29, 2026 after faithfully living a life devoted to God, family, country and community,” added Dr. Brooks, stating that Rev. Beach’s educational journey “reflected both determination and a deep desire to prepare himself for God’s work.”

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. 

He later earned his bachelor’s 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. 

In 1994, Dr. Brooks said Dr. Beach was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Theology from the California Graduate School of Theology (now Haven University).

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’s call to ministry. 

“That calling became the defining purpose of his life,” she said. “Throughout nearly 39 years of pastoral ministry, he faithfully shepherded congregations across New York, proclaiming the Gospel with conviction, compassion, and joy.”

Dr. Brooks said Rev. Beach served St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church (1978–1982), becoming its first Black pastor; Grace United Methodist Church (1982–1991); Metropolitan United Methodist Church (1991–1996); John Wesley United Methodist Church (1996–2000); Vandeveer Park United Methodist Church (2000–2004); St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Harlem (2006–2010); and St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Brooklyn (2010–2016).

Beyond the pulpit, Dr. Brooks said Rev. Beach invested deeply in people. 

“He 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,” he said. “Whether encouraging someone to return to school, discern a call to ministry, or simply trust God’s plan, he consistently reminded others that God had more in store for their lives.”

Dr. Brooks said Dr. Beach’s commitment to service also extended to his country. 

“As a chaplain in the United States Army Reserve, he faithfully ministered to soldiers and their families, eventually attaining the rank of colonel,” she said. “During 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.”

Dr. Brooks said Dr. Beach’s 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.

“Throughout his life, Rev. Beach pursued excellence with humility,” she said. “His 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’s call, faithfully serve His people, and point others to Jesus Christ.

“Even as he courageously lived with Alzheimer’s disease for more than a decade, Rev. Beach’s life continued to testify to the faith he had preached for so many years,” Dr. Brooks added. 

“His 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,” she continued. 

Rev. Beach is “lovingly survived” 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 “Goodie” Beach, Nerissa Bradshaw, Vincent “Brods” Beach and Hazel Beach.   

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 “Bobbie” Cadogan and “Brother Hugh.”