Pastor D. Gillings-Blair
God has a purpose for every living soul. Throughout Scripture, He often chooses those least expected to accomplish His divine plans. What may seem impossible to man is never impossible to God. Pastor Dr. Denise Ann-Marie Gillings-Blair is one such chosen vessel.
Born on June 21, 1966, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, to Darette Samuels (Barton) and Percival Gilling, Denise was raised in the Catholic faith. She received her First Holy Communion at age nine and was confirmed at fifteen. Raised by her mother and stepfather, Dennis Barton, she grew up in a blended family as the eldest sibling and remains especially close to her sister, Georgette McIntosh-Powell.
Her early exposure to different cultures through travel helped shape her warm and outgoing personality. Known for her devotion to God, compassion, loyalty, generosity, and strong moral compass, she embodies a “love thy neighbor” spirit. Friends and elders describe her as a true friend—caring, disciplined, charitable, and deeply committed to her faith.
Pastor Denise attended North Gully Basic School, Chetwood Memorial Primary School, and the esteemed Mount Alvernia High School in Jamaica. She later migrated to Bronx, New York, with dreams of attending college. Though her educational journey was delayed, she never abandoned her goals. After marrying and welcoming her daughter, Princess Howesha Washington, in April 1988, she faced many challenges but remained steadfast.
Relocating to Miami, Florida, she attended Miami Dade College and earned an Associate Degree in Aviation. After ten years in Florida, she moved to Georgia in 2004 and began focusing intently on her long-term aspirations. Once her daughter entered college, Pastor Denise returned to school herself. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Troy University Atlanta, followed by a Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling. She plans to pursue her Doctorate in the near future.
In June 2011, she married Winston Blair, a true gentleman whose calm and kind spirit complemented her own. Through this union, she gained a daughter, Kadeen. Later that year, in December 2011, they opened the doors of Hope Redemption Worship Center with the assistance of Dr. Barbara Stuart.
Together, they have served their community faithfully and tirelessly. Pastor Denise has grown into a powerful woman of God. Though initially reserved in delivering the Word, she came to understand that God created her uniquely. She now ministers authentically—without imitation—embracing the distinct voice God placed within her.
In 2019, she launched a back-to-school drive supporting students at Chetwood Memorial Primary School, providing school supplies to families in need. She aspires to donate tablets and laptops, establish scholarships, open a women’s shelter, and create a mentorship program for young girls. She firmly believes that education is essential and that no child should be left behind due to financial hardship.
Pastor Dr. Denise Gillings-Blair is an International Chaplain, Biblical Counselor, Notary Public, and Loan Signing Agent. Above all, she is a servant of God, committed to worshiping in Spirit and in Truth and inspiring others to do the same.
As declared in Psalm 46:5:
“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved.”