Frederick A. Beck Fred is the pastor of Community in Christ, Presbyterian and a native of the great state of Vermont. He is a “second-career” Presbyterian minister, ordained in 1993. Before coming to Community in Christ, Presbyterian in 2003, Fred served First Presbyterian Church in Oak Hill, West Virginia, and First Presbyterian in Connersville, Indiana.

Before entering the ministry Fred was a music teacher, including a twelve-year tenure as professor of music at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He also had an active career as a professional musician, performing in many symphony orchestras, including an eleven-year stint as Principal Trumpet with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, and performing in various jazz groups throughout his life.

Fred holds a bachelor degree in music from the University of Vermont, master and doctor degrees in music from the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester, and master of divinity degree from Duke University. Fred is also an avid distance runner, having run many races over the past 33 years, including the Boston Marathon.

Fred and his wife of 40 years, Sally, have two children and six grand children, all of whom live in the Greensboro, North Carolina area. Sally is chair of the English department at Trinity High School in Trinity, North Carolina.