Honoring Kevin McBeth and his 30 years of service to Manchester UMC
Manchester UMC is excited to announce the creation of a new endowment fund. The Worship Arts Endowment is being established to honor Kevin McBeth and his 30 years of extraordinary leadership of the church’s Music and Worship Arts Ministry.
Why this endowment?
The purpose of the endowment is to ensure that Worship Arts—including all music programs—will have the long-term financial resources needed to maintain and enhance Manchester UMC’s exceptional music offerings for generations to come.
Goal: Raise a minimum of $1,000,000
Annual Disbursement: ~$40,000
Growth: Disbursements will increase over time to keep pace with inflation
Disbursements will be initiated by the Director of Worship Arts in consultation with, and approval by, the Lead Pastor and the Endowment Committee.
About Kevin McBeth
Kevin McBeth joined the Manchester UMC staff in 1995 after serving churches in Texas and Iowa. As Director of Music and Worship Arts, Kevin leads this vital ministry, which includes:
Overseeing nearly 500 children, youth, and adults in music, drama, and scenic arts
Conducting the Chancel Choir, Coventry Choir, and Manchester Brass
Coordinating worship planning and the Joy of Music Concert series
- Overseeing Modern Worship
Kevin is also Director of the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus and the Holiday Festival Chorus. His distinguished career includes performances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center, as well as 10 commissions and three European tours.
Why This Endowment Matters
Despite nearly 200 years of ministry, the church has built a total endowment of just over $3 million—providing approximately $100,000 annually to support ministries, programs, and facilities beyond regular giving.
An ideal endowment for a church of our size and mission would exceed $10 million. Currently, the annual Worship Arts budget is around $100,000 (excluding salaries), with only about $10,000 of that covered by existing music endowments.
A fully funded $1,000,000 Worship Arts Endowment would add $40,000 annually—quadrupling the current support for music and arts programming.
Creating a Lasting Legacy
Funding this endowment is a meaningful and attainable way to honor Kevin’s remarkable legacy and ensure the continued vibrancy of our worship experience.
Together, we can build a legacy that sings far beyond today—into the hearts of future generations.
Join Us in Honoring Kevin McBeth’s Legacy
Help sustain the future of worship and music at Manchester UMC for generations to come.
Fill out the form below to learn more about supporting the Worship Arts Endowment.
