Church History

 
 
Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones, Raise a banner for the Nations. Isaiah 62:10
 
Walk with me as we Journey through Refuge Church History...
 
The year 1918, Bishop Robert Clarence Lawson was divinely called by the Lord and started a small work in St.Louis, MO. Shortly after, he brought Elder D.A. Chenault with him to San Antonio, TX, to preach the Apostolic doctrine. In 1934, Elder Chenault and a group of saints left Lincoln Park Church at 817 Iowa and organized the East End Church of Christ at 225 Connelly.  In 1946, the church relocated to its present location on Pine Street and was re-named Refuge Church. Deacon Brownlow was called to the Ministry, and in 1949 he was appointed Pastor. In 1951, he was succeeded by Elder J.W. Wright of Los Angeles, CA. Elder Wright was then was succeeded by Elder Elfreddie Lee, Sr. in 1956. Under Pastor Lee's leadership, Refuge experienced many blessings and the church celebrated by burning the church's mortgage, rebuilding the church, and purchasing the house on Florida Street (now known as the Fellowship Hall) and the lot on Pine and Aransas (which currently is serving as the parking lot). Elder Elfreddie Lee, Jr., succeeded his father in 1987 as Interim Pastor, followed by Bishop Lonnie Green, Sr., who was appointed Pastor in 1988.
 
After the death of Bishop Green in 1997, Elder Douglas Whittington served as Interim Pastor until his appointment as Pastor in the year 2000. He became, "The new Minister in The new Millennium preaching an Old Message with A new Method."  Under the leadership of Pastor Whittington, the congregation has reached higher heights and deeper depths. During the year 2006, the Refuge Church mortgage was obtained and burned. We were later able to renovate the interior of the sanctuary and build classrooms upstairs. Recently in 2010, Refuge renovated the interior of the Fellowship Hall. Finally, in 2011, Refuge Church completed two new office spaces. We give God all the glory and praise that is due to him for the continual blessings that Refuge Church has received.
 
There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.
To God be the Glory for all the things He has done! The best is yet to come!
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