Keaton announces retirement of Rev. Dr. Eugene Blair

by Paul Thomas, director of communications
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4/2/2012

Rev. Dr. Eugene Blair

 
The Rev. Dr. Eugene Blair, who has served as the superintendent of the Crossroads District since July 1, 2009, has retired effective immediately according to a statement released today (April 2, 2012) from Michigan Area Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton.
 
"After consultation with the bishop, the cabinet, and the executive committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry, Rev. Blair is retiring April 1, 2012," Keaton said in his statement. "A new district superintendent will be appointed effective July 1, 2012."
 
Keaton also stated that the Rev. Dr. Andrew Allie will function as the superintendent of the Crossroads District until June 30. Allie served as the superintendent of the Flint District (now the Crossroads District) from 2001-2009 and retired on December 31, 2009.
 
Blair has served in the Detroit Conference since 2004, spending five years as the Associate Council Director of African-American Spiritual Formation and Congregational Development before being selected as a district superintendent. Prior to transferring to the Detroit Conference, Blair was Director of Congregational Development for the Northern Illinois Conference from 1995-2004, and served as Dean of the Chapel at the Upper Room from 1986-1992.   Blair also served the Methodist Church in Kenya in 1992 and has pastored congregations in Columbus and Toledo, Ohio. He was ordained as an elder in the West Ohio Conference in 1985.
 
The Crossroads District is one of six districts in the Detroit Conference and includes 71 churches. The district is headquartered in Flint, Mich.