Tributes continue to pour in for the late Bishop Dr Ronald Blair whose thanksgiving service will be held on May 11 at the New Testament Church of God Covention Centre, Rhoden’s Pen, Old Harbour, St Catherine.
Bishop Blair retired from full-time ministry in 2017, after serving the New Testament Church for 55 years. The senior clergyman, who transitioned on April 19 at the age of 86 years old, had served as chairman of the National Committee for Religious Service at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission and is a founding member and former Chairman of LOVE 101 FM.
“Dr. Blair’s unwavering dedication, wisdom, and passion were instrumental in shaping LOVE 101 into what it is today. His commitment to serving our community and enriching lives through his work leaves an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him,” the radio station said in an advisory on the day of his passing.
Bishop Blair is the father of LOVE 101 FM operations and programmes manager, Dr Nadine Blair. The reknown pastor and his siblings are known for their work in Kingdom building. His brother Bishop Herro Blair is the current chairman for the Institute of Jamaica and the senior pastor at the Faith Cathedral Deliverance Centre.
Bishop Blair was conferred with the Order of Distinction in 1987 for outstanding work in religion and Commander of that Order in 2017. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange said he, “blazed a trail which not only involved his time in the pulpit but he was an author, a college lecturer and served several community organisations.”
“To the New Testament Church of God in Jamaica, I say one of your great shepherds, Bishop Dr Ronald Augustus Blair, is now in glory, but the mark he made amongst us will never be erased.”
There will be a tribute service for the late pastor at the New Testament Church of God, Waltham Park Road in Kingston on Friday, May 10 at 6:30 pm. His funeral service will be at 10 am the following day, however viewing will start from 9 a.m. at the Convention Centre.
The National Youth Department of the New Testament Church of God Jamaica in its tribute to Bishop Blair, said the clergyman was a steadfast minister and stalwart in the establishment of the department.
“During his tenure as a national youth director, he strategically positioned the department, and as an administrative Bishop, he continued to support the growth.”
Condolences have been extended to his widow, Evon, daughters, Nadine, Delva, Novia and Paula and two sons-in-law, Leon-Lee Roberts and David Dunn as well as to his grandchildren Talisa, Leon Sebastian and Ruthann.