Church community pays tribute to Bishop Dr Ronald Blair
In tribute to his life and legacy, scores of prominent church leaders, politicians and congregants from several denominations filled out the auditorium of the New Testament Church of God Convention Centre in St Catherine on May 11
to bid farewell to the late Bishop Ronald Blair.
The senior clergyman was hailed by many for his mastery of every area pertaining to church life, including his pastoral skills, his knowledge of the Word and his personification of a true servant leader. His widow, Evon echoed the sentiments of many as she conveyed her gratitude to him before closing his casket which was mounted at the Convention Centre in Rhoden’s Pen, Old Harbour, St Catherine.
“Ronald, thank you. Thank you so much, for loving us, for being there for us all the time, for making me who I am today; you never missed a beat, thank you. You blessed us, even as God blessed you. Thank you for the rich memories that will linger with us,” she said on the brink of tears, before putting in one final word , “Bye sweatheart, bye honey, until we meet soon. I love you.”
Administrative Bishop for the New Testament Churches in England and Wales, Bishop Claion Grandison said Blair was an outstanding servant leader, trail blazer, philanthropist, and an adored family man. Although he has four biological daughters, several of his ‘adopted’ children, as well as his immediate and extended family were also in attendance at his funeral.
“I think it is safe to say that Bishop Ronald Blair, the visionary [and] national leader, placed this tiny spec of an island on the global map of ecclesiastical excellence,” Grandison told the huge gathering.
In describing Blair as a giant of the faith, he said the heights that the New Testament Church in Jamaica has attained can in some ways be attributed to the sacrifices made by the late pastor.
Olivia Grange represented Prime Minister Andrew Holness, while former Prime Minister Bruce Golding and tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett also lent their support to the family. Bartlett is the Member of Parliament for St James East Central which includes the Somerset community where Blair grew up. Grange pointed to Blair’s unwavering commitment to proclaiming the Word of God all across Jamaica, the Caribbean and the world. She noted that he travelled long distances and long hours to participate in national development programmes.
“Like the true disciple, he was determined that the good news of God become the force for transformation of communities. As such, he would enter fearlessly into situations, that needed a compassionate care, a healing hand or an encouraging voice,” she said.
The New Testament Church, in its tribute to the late pastor said “He was not merely a leader, he was a guiding force, a shepherd who tended to the flock with boundless love and wisdom.”
The church body said, Blair excelled in every area of ministry for the over 55 years he served. “His enduring legacy has touched many nations,” it said.
Blair was interned at the Meadowrest Memorial Gardens in St. Catherine. He is survived by widow, Evon, daughters, Nadine, Delva, Novia and Paula and two sons-in-law, Leon-Lee Roberts and David Dunn as well as several grandchildren.
