A spiritual sanctuary awaits at Refuge Temple of Jesus Christ. This Philadelphia church has served the community for over 35 years. It offers a multi-cultural space for fellowship.
Refuge Temple emphasizes faith and personal growth. All are welcome to experience God through worship. Regular Sunday services include praise, worship, and a morning service. Members celebrate and support each other. The church aims to strengthen the community and promote well-being.
Now let’s delve into the broader history connected to Refuge Temple. In 1914, a man named Mr Lawson embraced the Word of God. He was baptized in Jesus’ name. He received the Holy Ghost. A miraculous event occurred. His body was healed from tuberculosis. This healing shaped his faith-healing ministry.
Bishop Lawson felt divinely called. He heard God’s voice in a whirlwind. The voice said, “Go Preach My Word.” He started in St Louis, Missouri. Later, he preached in San Antonio, Texas. He spread the Apostolic doctrine. He then pastored a church in Columbus, Ohio. There, he married Miss Carrie Fields. They had four sons.
The Greater Refuge Temple Church began in 1919. Elder Lawson was invited to a prayer meeting in New York City. It was in a basement on 40th Street. His service was so energetic. His fame spread. Mr and Mrs James Burleigh and Mr and Mrs Edward Anderson heard of him. They opened their homes to Elder Lawson. These homes are known as the “Cradle of Refuge.”
The congregation grew quickly. About 200 members joined. Larger quarters were needed. Bishop Lawson bought a site on West 133rd Street. He relocated the thriving church. He called it the Refuge Church. The Lord inspired him to conduct a tent revival service. Many more joined the church.
The 133rd Street location became too small. Bishop Lawson moved the church again. This time, it was to 124th Street and 7th Avenue. This happened in August 1945. The edifice became known as the “Mother Church.” It served as the headquarters for the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The church’s debt was paid off in two years. The mortgage was burned on Christmas Day 1947. This church was known as Refuge Temple.
In 1961, Bishop Bonner and his family were sent to New York. He became the pastor of the Mother Church. He remodeled Refuge Temple. The Mother Church became known as the Greater Refuge Temple. This modern building changed the face of 7th Avenue. It had a seating capacity of two thousand. It also had thirty-six conference and meeting rooms. Bishop Lawson challenged others to “ADD THOU TO IT.” Bishop Bonner expanded the work.
Bishop Bonner had the ability to command meetings of thousands. He was also the Presiding Apostle of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Over 500 churches worldwide were added to the kingdom of God. Bishop Bonner rebuilt countless lives. He won Christ thousands of souls. He pastored five churches for many years. They had over ten thousand members. One of his accomplishments was the W.L. Bonner College. Bishop Bonner passed away on April 3, 2015.
In 2016, Bishop Charles E Wright Sr became the third pastor of the Greater Refuge Temple. Bishop Wright had served as an assistant pastor for over forty years. Bishop Wright is also known as Dr Wright, Dean Wright, or Pastor Wright.
Mother Mamie DeSilvia was the 1st State Missionary President. She lived in New York. She attended Refuge Temple Church under Bishop R.C. Lawson. She and her husband were sent to Philadelphia. They participated at the Greater Refuge Church. Bishop H.D. Jones appointed her.
Refuge Temple of Jesus Christ stands as a testament to faith and community. It’s a place where spiritual journeys are celebrated and supported. It’s a place to find support.