Refuge Church was birthed out of the heart of God through Rufus (then Elder Settles) and Sarah Settles; it was organized in 1954, in Rockville, Maryland. Prompted by the Holy Spirit in 1955, a small building was erected for services to be held in Tobeytown, a small black community in Potomac, Maryland.
In 1958, Elder Settles and the Refuge Church congregation purchased an acre of land in Olney, Maryland. Thanksgiving and sacrificial offerings were given willingly by the small, dedicated membership and a $7,000 building fund was started. The Lord used Elder Settles’ expertise as a brick mason and skills of the laborers in the congregation to build the structure that is now in use. A REFUGE emerged out of the wilderness and still stands in the midst of a growing, upwardly mobile, modern, suburban community. Elder Settles’ message, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God.”, was broadcast over the Voices of Triumph radio ministry in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
In 1983, through the sacrifice and diligence of Refuge’s members, major updates were made within the church building. Bishop Settles, as he was ordained by this time, served Refuge Church faithfully until his home going on October 5, 1985. Sarah settles also went on to be with the Lord November 21, 2013.
The baton of leadership was passed to Bishop Settles’ eldest son, Rufus Lamont Settles. Through him, the Lord has fulfilled many areas of the vision originally given to Bishop Settles; however, the Lord broadened Pastor Lamont’s vision. Pastor Lamont and the team of Elders committed to the vision that God gave them for Refuge Church:
To be a vibrant, growing, spiritually mature family of faith through God’s transforming love of his son Jesus; producing healthy individuals and families, and driving positive change in society for the glory of God.
We thank God for faithfully surrounding Pastor Settles with men and women who committed to the vision of this local assembly. Our auxiliary ministries extend outside the walls of this structure through evangelism, nursing homes visitations, food distribution and foreign mission ministries. Pastor Lamont Settles transitioned from this life on March 23, 2020.
Pastor Orlando accepted his call to the ministry in December of 1982 and was ordained as an Elder in 1985. In 1991, he was asked by Bishop Settles’ son and successor, Pastor Rufus Lamont Settles, to serve with him as the Assistant Pastor of Refuge. He served in that capacity until the passing of Pastor Settles in March 2020. Pastor Orlando was installed on November 6, 2021.
Refuge Church thrives under the leadership of Pastor Orlando and Denise Edwards. Pastor Orlando and Denise are committed to the vision and mission of Refuge Church and to serving as shepherds of God’s people.
Refuge Church is open to anyone who desires to know Christ as their personal Savior.
