09/03/2026
As we journey through the summer months leading to Labor Day weekend, we invite you to revisit the lives and legacies of some of the faithful men and women who helped shape the history of New Bethel.
Originally shared during our 100th Church Anniversary celebration, these Saints Beyond the River tributes honor members whose faith, service, leadership, and love for God's church continue to inspire us today. While many of our newer members may not have had the privilege of knowing them personally, their impact remains woven into the fabric of our church family.
Each week throughout the summer, we will reshare one of these remembrances as we celebrate those who have gone before us, giving thanks for lives well lived and legacies that continue to bless New Bethel.
Today, we highlight Rev. Dr. Weldon G. Thomas.
Rev. Dr. Thomas came to New Bethel CME Church in 2005 and served with a vision that extended far beyond the church's walls. His leadership was deeply rooted in both faith and community, as he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him.
During his time at New Bethel, Rev. Dr. Thomas served as a community representative on the Action for a Better Community (ABC) Head Start Policy Council. He was the founder and convener of the Rochester Faith Collaborative, a faith-based HIV/AIDS prevention initiative, and also served as convener of the Rochester Better Life Collaborative. His work brought together faith, health, and community in meaningful and lasting ways.
His commitment to health advocacy was widely recognized, including by the University of Rochester Medical Center, for his support of initiatives that improved community health. He also served on the Ecumenical Committee of the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (NBLCA) in Rochester. He was a member of the Mayor’s Healthy Weight Leadership Council, promoting healthier lifestyles for children and families.
Within New Bethel, Rev. Dr. Thomas strengthened the church’s Health Ministry, increasing education, awareness, and outreach. He also guided the church in deepening its commitment to stewardship, encouraging a stronger understanding and practice of tithing. Through his leadership, new energy and structure were brought to the church, including the establishment of Voices of Praise, the revival of the Pastor’s Aid, and the creation of the church’s newsletter to better communicate the ministry's life and work.
Rev. Dr. Thomas passed in February 2019, but his impact continues to be felt through the lives he touched and the work he helped establish.
His legacy reminds us that true leadership reaches beyond the pulpit, serving not only the church but the entire community.
