About Us

The Late District Elder Frasier Williams, Jr.

Church Planter and Visionary

Elder Michael Williams, Pastor

Minister Alonzo Stewart, Associate Minister

Refuge Church Gainesville Brief Church History

DISTRICT ELDER FRAISER WILLIAMS, JR., PASTOR WILLIAMS AS HE was KNOWN IN THE COMMUNITY CAME TO GAINESVILLE IN 1993 TO ESTABLISH A CHURCH FULLY POSITIONED ON THE APOSTLES DOCTRINE AND TEACHINGS AND to WIN SOULS FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST. THAT CHURCH IS THIS CHURCH. WE ARE A PART OF THE FLORIDA ECCLESIASTICAL DIOCESE (FED) AND AFFILIATED WITH THE CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST OF THE APOSTOLIC FAITH, INC. (COOLJC)

The first services were held at TB McPherson on the South East side of Gainesville before moving to the present location.

PASTOR WILLIAMS and his congregation, the Griffin and Blount Families and several saints from Jacksonville, participated in a local prayer / preaching service called Saturday Night live which took place at Mom’s Kitchen and the adjacent streets around 5th avenue.

Pastor Williams UNSELFISHLY TRAVELED THE BUSY HIGHWAYS YEAR AFTER YEAR TO DELIVER GODS WORD, and the church grew.

Many families and individuals came and joined the church thru the years, families of different races, social economic backgrounds and levels of educations, some stayed and some moved on. However, that did not stop the work of God. Pastor Always encouraged the congregation to go out among the people and bid them to come. The church motto is "The harvest Begins With Me."

In 2010 for his faithfulness, Pastor Williams was elevated to the office of District Elder.

Although small in number we were always reminded that it was not the number of members in the church, but how the church impacted the community and that we could do anything that we put our minds to as long as we keep God first. Because of this mine set, the church was purchased and paid for in full years before the note became due. We also purchased the adjacent land.

In October of 2011, Our Dearly beloved founder was called from labor to reward, but we must keep the light of salvation burning in this community and we know God will be with us each step of the way. After the demise of Pastor Williams, our Diocesan Prelate, Bishop M. Ruel McCoy, Sr. became our pastor. He has enthusiastically embraced the vision and enhanced the work of our founder. In 2019, Elder Michael J. Williams was named Supply Pastor, and Diocese Bishop M. Ruel McCoy, Sr. played a pivotal role in preparing him for his official appointment as pastor in 2020. This transition emphasized the church's commitment to leadership development, continuity, and the importance of passing the baton for future growth. The process of preparing Elder Williams to become the full-time pastor was not just about transferring a title—it was about ensuring that the next leader was well-equipped to continue the church’s mission and vision while bringing his own style and approach to the ministry. Diocese Bishop M. Ruel McCoy, Sr.’s mentorship and the church’s focus on leadership development ensured a smooth and effective transition, highlighting the importance of spiritual guidance and preparation. On July 19, 2020, Elder Michael J. Williams officially became Pastor of Refuge Church Gainesville. To God Be The Glory!