Pastor | Community Advocate | Champion of Justice

Rev. Julie Ramirez

Rev. Julie Ramirez, born in 1931 in Manhattan, New York, and raised in Newburg, NY, was a trailblazer in the Pentecostal movement and a beloved figure in the Hartford, Connecticut community. She was the first Latina Pentecostal senior pastor within the Spanish Eastern District of the Assemblies of God, a distinction she earned through her unwavering faith and dedication. In 1962, she founded Templo Fe Church in the Frog Hollow neighborhood of Hartford, a congregation that would become a vital place of fellowship and empowerment for the Latino community.

Pastor Ramirez was a pioneering force in both ministry and community advocacy. She led Templo Fe for 53 years, helping it grow into a strong spiritual home for many, particularly within a predominantly white neighborhood where the Latino community often faced discrimination and injustice. Her ministry not only provided a spiritual refuge but also became a cornerstone of social justice, offering support to those who were marginalized or disenfranchised.

Beyond her work at Templo Fe, Rev. Ramirez’s efforts extended to numerous areas of community service in Hartford. She was instrumental in advocating for the translation of essential healthcare documents at Hartford Hospital, ensuring that the Latino community had access to crucial information about their health. Her outreach also extended to the incarcerated Latino population in Connecticut, where she created services that allowed them to engage in religious practices and find hope within the walls of prison.

As an interpreter and translator for the Connecticut Superior Court, Pastor Ramirez made sure Spanish-speaking individuals understood their legal rights and proceedings, ensuring they had access to justice. Her work in this area empowered many members of the Latino community, helping them navigate complex legal systems and secure their human rights.

Pastor Julie Ramirez passed away peacefully on October 21, 2016, but her legacy continues to inspire the Hartford community. Through her decades of service, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to faith, justice, and community empowerment. Her work with Templo Fe and beyond left an indelible mark, and she will always be remembered as a pioneer, a servant leader, and a beloved mother in faith.