Here stands Refuge Church of Christ. Its story is one of faith, perseverance, and community in Philadelphia.
In June 1984, Charles Langley felt called to pastorship. He was serving under Pastor Aaron Williams. This led to the founding of Refuge Church Of God In Christ. Langley’s wife Carla, Mother Catherine Langley, and his four daughters were with him.
Initially, services took place in Mother Catherine Langley’s home. Carla Langley directed the choir. The four daughters formed the Angels of Refuge choir. These were the formative years for Refuge Church of Christ.
The church had temporary locations. One was at Blair Christian Academy in West Philadelphia. The other was on Old York Road. In April 1988, God helped them purchase their current building. It is located at 25th and York Streets in North Philadelphia. Here Refuge Church of Christ resides today.
Over the years, the Langley family grew. A son, Charles Steven Langley Jr., was born. Another daughter, Ashia Langley, arrived. The Lord continued blessing and adding to Refuge Church of Christ.
Founding member Mother Catherine Langley passed in March 2005. Deacon Danny Smith, another pillar, transitioned in September 2015. Their hard work lives on in the memory of Refuge Church of Christ.
Today, Refuge Church of Christ holds services every Saturday morning at 10:30 AM. The community gathers to praise and worship. Pastor Langley encourages everyone to seek a close relationship with the Lord.
Refuge Church of Christ celebrates its history each year. They thank God for guidance and protection. The church looks forward to the promises God has in store. It has been a beacon of hope in Philadelphia.
Mother Mamie DeSilvia was the 1st State Missionary President. She lived in New York and worked as a beautician. She attended Refuge Temple Church under Bishop R.C. Lawson. She and her husband Sidney were sent to Philadelphia. They participated at the Greater Refuge Church.
Mother Estelle Cobb was the 2nd State Missionary President. She was born in Connecticut. She was baptized at Refuge Temple Church. She and her husband moved to Chester, PA. She started a church there.
Mother Julia Jones was the 3rd State Missionary President. She was saved in 1929. She and her husband, Bishop Henry D. Jones, were sent to Philadelphia to start a church in 1931. They fasted and prayed together. Mother Jones taught him how to read.
Mother Elizabeth Martin was the 4th State Missionary President. She was baptized in October 1934. She made contributions to the Pennsylvania Missionary Department. She served at Refuge Temple Church in Pittsburgh.
Mother Rehama Clark was the 5th State Missionary President. She was baptized in 1952 at the Greater Refuge Church in Philadelphia. She received a Bachelor of Religious Studies degree.
Missionary Linda Grinage is the current State Missionary President. She was baptized under Elder Joseph Long. She started the SWAN Women’s Ministry.
Refuge Church of Christ stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of hope in the community. Its history is a reminder of God’s promises.