06/25/2026
As we continue our Saints Beyond the River journey, we pause in June to honor and remember the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures whose faith, leadership, sacrifice, and service have helped shape the New Bethel family across generations.
Many of these men are no longer physically present with us, but their legacy lives on through the families they raised, the ministries they led, and the foundations they helped build. In observance of Father's Day, we celebrate their lives and contributions, ensuring their stories remain part of New Bethel's history.
Today, we remember and honor Rev. T.R. McBeth.
Rev. T.R. McBeth was a dedicated pastor, visionary leader, and faithful servant of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church whose ministry helped shape both New Bethel CME Church and the broader Rochester faith community.
Called to preach as a young man, Rev. McBeth devoted his life to ministry and faithfully served wherever he was appointed. His pastoral journey began in Birmingham, Alabama, where he attended Miles College, a CME institution, while serving his first pastorate. His ministry later took him to Virginia, Bridgeport, Connecticut, Camden, New Jersey, and eventually Rochester, New York.
Rev. McBeth was known as a hardworking and respected leader who loved the church and the people he served. His commitment to ministry extended beyond the local congregation, and he later served as a Presiding Elder within the CME Church. He was instrumental in leadership development, church conferences, and fostering relationships among clergy. His leadership helped strengthen connections throughout the denomination and contributed to the growth of the church's ministry.
One of the most significant contributions of Rev. McBeth's pastorate was his vision for New Bethel's future. In 1952, an opportunity arose to purchase the former Second Reformed Church property at 270 Scio Street. Recognizing the potential for growth, Rev. McBeth embraced the opportunity and helped guide the congregation through the purchase. His foresight provided New Bethel with a permanent home in a central location and created space for future generations to worship, fellowship, and serve.
At the time, New Bethel became the first CME congregation in Rochester to purchase its own church building. Other congregations would later follow, including Mt. Vernon, Aenon, Antioch, and Holy City. In many ways, New Bethel's move marked the beginning of a new chapter of growth and development among Rochester's Black churches and CME congregations.
Church life flourished during Rev. McBeth's tenure. Music ministries, including the Bethelairs and local quartets, enriched worship, while church dinners and fundraisers brought members together in fellowship and service. Rev. McBeth was especially known for his barbecue dinners and his signature barbecue sauce, a closely guarded recipe that became so popular that people would purchase it by the quart. Even his family never learned all of the ingredients.
Rev. McBeth was first married to Martha Farmer McBeth, who passed away in 1948. Together, they were blessed with three daughters: Erma, Anita, and Theodora. In 1950, Tessie McBeth joined the family and became a devoted partner in ministry and family life.
Though Rev. McBeth passed away at a relatively young age, the impact of his ministry continues to be felt today. His vision, leadership, and faith helped lay the foundation that has enabled New Bethel CME Church to serve generations of families and remain a cornerstone of faith in the Rochester community.
Today, we honor and remember Rev. T.R. McBeth for his unwavering commitment to God, his church, and the people he was called to serve. His legacy continues through the congregation he helped strengthen and the countless lives touched by his ministry.
