The Refuge Temple Church of Washington, D.C. was founded December 12, 1989 by Bishop William Lee Bonner.  The first services were held at Days Inn located at 12th and K Street, N.W.  In February 1990, Kelly Miller Junior High School, located at 49th and Brooks Street, N.E., became the church´s final temporary home. 

The Lord blessed Pastor Bonner to acquire the land for the church in three weeks.  On October 27, 1990 the church held a ground breaking service.  During the construction, many expressed great doubt saying the church would fail.  However, with Pastor Bonner as the building contractor, the design engineer and his unbelievable faith in God, the million-dollar construction project was completed in 15 months.

The architectural design of the edifice is by Pastor Bonner.  The exterior and interior walls are white, symbolizing purity.  The mosaics on the exterior walls are from Italy.  The mosaics remind one of the tablets given to Moses.  The colors of the mosaic are bright and rich but also warm.  The colors are blue-violet, bronze, royal blue, sky blue, purple (symbolizes high rank and great wealth), bronze (symbolizes divine judgment), and turquoise.  The colors symbolize beauty, wealth and greatness.  They will serve as a striking landmark for Refuge Temple Church of Washington, D.C. 

The dome is one of the great beauty and awe, encompassing much of the ceiling.  The massive dome symbolizes God as the central focus of a vast firmament with outstretched arms to all mankind.  The chandeliers are from Paris, France.  They are of fine crystal and are of a beautiful ornate design in gold and bronze.  The crown design gives the chandeliers a royal magnificent look and only serves to add to their splendor.

On June 1, 1991, the first service was held at the beautiful edifice that presently seats 1,000 parishioners was dedicated under Pastor Bonners leadership.  With the help of Jesus Christ, we will soon embark upon a construction project that will be a multi-cultural center.  We want to be a blessing to our community, as well as our membership.