The Greater Refuge Church,  started at 235 Booth Avenue Henderson, NC and was  built by the Late Dr. Bishop Rufus Hargrove.

Bishop and Mother Hargrove received the gift of the Holy Ghost in 1956 under the ministry of the late Apostle John W. Pernell, Pastor of the Refuge Church in Richmond, VA. Bishop Hargrove was anointed to preach the gospel and became an ordained Elder during the  COOLJC International Convocation in 1963, which was held in Atlanta, GA

In 1965 the Lord blessed Elder Hargrove and Mother Hargrove with an eleven room house in Henderson, NC., parts of which he used to hold services. Construction started on the Refuge Church 235 Booth Avenue, Henderson, NC., and in  September 1968, the first service was held at Refuge. Since that time, hundreds of souls have entered the doors and have been blessed, saved, delivered, and healed.

During the Spring of 1969, our Pastor William T. Winston was invited to a service at the Refuge Church, which was located at 235 Booth Avenue in Henderson, NC.  The late Dr. Bishop Rufus Hargrove was the host Pastor.  Pastor Winston was introduced to God’s plan of salvation by Bishop Hargrove.  Pastor Winston’s oldest sister was friends with Bishop Hargrove’s daughter, Geraldine Hargrove.  Pastor Winston became very fond of her and pursued her as his girlfriend.  During the Spring of 1973, Pastor Winston was visited at his home by Minister Larry Green, who ministered to him and Pastor Winston received the gift of the Holy Ghost in his living room that day.  Pastor Winston later joined the Refuge Church and became a licensed deacon.  He was also a member of the Voices of Refuge Choir.  Later God called him into the ministry to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.  In addition, Pastor Winston has been an effective Outreach Evangelist; conducting street services and revivals.  Many have been healed and many have received the gift of the Holy Ghost under his ministry.

In August of 1974 Pastor Winston married Sister Geraldine Hargrove.  Sister Geraldine H. Winston has been a rock, working right by his side.  Through faith, God has blessed them with three wonderful children.  Sister Geraldine H. Winston has served in many capacities in the church; such as singing in the choir, usher, President of the ABYPU (Youth Department), altar worker, kitchen assistant, Sunday School Teacher, member of the Women’s Council, member of the Ministers and Deacon Wives Guild, President of the Missionary Department, and a Teacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

In 2010 while Elder Winston was serving as the Assistant Pastor to Bishop Rufus Hargrove, he was installed as Interim Pastor of Greater Refuge Church.  In March of 2011, Elder Winston became Pastor of the Greater Refuge Church.  In 2014, God blessed Elder Winston and the Greater Refuge Church with a new facility, located at 1450 Americal Road, Henderson, NC.  This is where we worship God every Sunday at 10:00AM.

Greater Refuge Church is honored to have Pastor William T. Winston and First Lady Geraldine H. Winston as our leaders.  As God continues to order Pastor Winston’s steps and as he continues following Christ, the membership will continue to hold up his arms while God gives the increase.  We do bless and honor Pastor Winston and First Lady Winston for all they are and all they do for the Greater Refuge Church and for the community.  We believe they are workers for the Glory of God in the precious name of Jesus Christ.