About Us!

The Legacy of Refuge Temple Church

This church was established on Thursday, September 29^th, 1986 under the spiritual guidance of Pastor Robert W. Whitley as its founder. The name was given after several visions and dreams from God to name the church, “Refuge Temple”. Psalm 9:9, and 2 Thessalonians 2:14, (“You brothern became followers of the church of God in Christ”). While serving in the U.S. Army Pastor Whitley shared his call to his wife, Melody D. Whitley; she agreed with him. With God as their guide to establish the first Church of God in Christ in Harford County.  Our first bible study was held in the Government Housing and later moved to the Army Base Chapel on Aberdeen Proving Ground. After six months on base the church was moved to 701 Revolution Street, Havre de Grace, MD. There we served for twenty-six months.

     In the spring of 1988 Pastor and Mother Whitley purchased property at 116 Spesutia Road where the vision of The Eagle was given  “A Place of Rest”. With so much work to be done this couple with their six children, began remodeling the old VFW Building to become a Refuge for God’s people to worship (Palms 9:9).

In November 1988, the congregation occupied its newly renovated place of worship; with special guest choir, The Male Course of Mt. Zion Church, directed by Mrs. Pat  Hector. Our ministry began to expand and many people became a part of the church. Pastor Whitley, yet serving in the U.S. Army was called to go to the Middle East War (Desert Storm), Bishop David W. Spann assigned Evangelist Melody Whitley to care for the church until Pastor Whitley returned in May of 1992.

     In the fall of 1992, Pastor Whitley was given a dream to build a new church at this location. Upon completing the new building the church began a daycare and established a Food Support Ministry, (Extended Hands of Care). After five faithful years with this ministry the church ventured to develop a Shelter House. The property was purchased adjacent to the church to extend its parking and serving ability. We then established “A Balm-of-Gilead Ministry”, Mission Outreach and Youth Services.

     As the ministry continued to develop, Bishop David W. Spann appointed Pastor Whitley as President of the State Mission’s Work and to serve as Superintendent of the North-State-Line District. The mission work continued to expand and Pastor Whitley lead the congregation, with God’s help to purchase the 2^nd property adjacent to the church to provide help and assistance to young families on low to no income, who are willing to improve their complete life style. Refuge Temple has helped many families holistic to improve their quality of life.

   As we focus on our future, “Walking By Faith”. We will remain a church with a mission lead by a Man and Woman of Vision; to help mend the body of Christ. (Believers). Over the past three decades our church has baptized many souls; conducted countless weddings and funerals; provided food and clothing for hundreds of families with Baltimore, Cecil, and Harford Counties. Our mission belief is: “The Need of The Many; Outweighs the Complaint of the Few”. We are workers together in the vineyard. So, let’s work while it’s day. For God will reward you for your Labor of Love, Amen.