BREAKING NEWS

After 48 years of faithful and dedicated ministry, the senior pastor of the Hartford First Church of the Nazarene, Rev. Aaron L. Blache and his wife Louise, will be retiring from active ministry on Sunday, November 30, 2008 in a special 11am service. The service will be followed immediately by a formal luncheon in their honor at the Capital Avenue sanctuary.

Rev. Aaron Blache was born in Trinidad on April 9, 1941. He was saved at the age of 18 and called to preach shortly thereafter. He began ministerial training in 1960 at Caribbean Nazarene Theological College where he earned a Ministerial Diploma and a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Rev Blache has also earned a Professional Certificate in Public Relations from the University of the West Indies.

Rev. Blache began pastoring as a student in 1961, and led five Nazarene congregations, each one at least doubling in active membership during his tenure. He served on every district board as well as Dean of Students and Public Relations Director for his alma mater, CNTC. Rev Blache also served twice as Superintendent of the Trinidad and Tobago District Church of the Nazarene.

Rev. Blache has served twice as pastor in the United States. From 1987 to 1993 he started a church in Chesapeake, Virginia, and led the new congregation through establishment and official organization before returning to pastor again in Trinidad. In March, 2001, Rev Blache accepted his present assignment at Hartford First Church of the Nazarene, in Hartford, Connecticut. In the seven years of his ministry, Hartford First has grown into an international, multi-cultural, family-oriented congregation. Attendance has risen from 62 to 142 and 73 new Nazarene were inducted into membership.

Rev. Blache and his wife, Louise, were married in Trinidad on June 27, 1964. They have four children, Elizabeth, Nicole, Shelly-Ann and Anthony along with five grandchildren. They are committed to life-long service in the name of Jesus Christ wherever the Lord may lead.

Mayor Perez, Senator Chris Dodd and many other civic and business officials are expected to be a part of the congregation for what is anticipated as a grand service of celebration for a life well spent in loving and sacrificial service to the world and to the city of Hartford in particular.