Our History

City of Refuge Ministries (also known simply as The City) was founded in 1976 when God
called Pastor Andrew Bennett, Sr., and First Lady Colleen Bennett to lay the foundation for a
church rooted in faith, love, and spiritual refuge. At that time, the congregation was part of the
Church of God in Christ. The name City of Refuge was revealed to Pastor Andrew while reading
Numbers 35:6, 11–15, inspiring the conviction that this church would be a refuge—especially
for the lost, hurting, and broken.


Starting from humble beginnings, Pastor Andrew and First Lady Colleen started the church with
no active members—only faith in God’s call. First Lady Bennett opened services with a song;
Pastor Andrew delivered the message—even when speaking to empty chairs. But soon, God
began to send people. Among the first to join were the Haywood family in 1976. Minister
Haywood served until his passing in 1983, and his wife, Freda Haywood, along with their
children, remain active in the church to this day.


Other pioneer members who continue to serve faithfully include Thomas & Kathy Hawthorne,
Truly Riggs, Billy & Cecilia Ruffin, and Thelma J. Ellis. These early saints helped shape the
culture and spiritual DNA of the church. Under Pastor Andrew’s leadership, City of Refuge was
built on two primary foundations: the Word of God, with the Bible as its unshakable standard,
and the values of love and family—caring for one another and drawing people into a spiritual
family where they could grow and heal.

Over the years, there have been transitions and growth:

  • Pastor Andrew served as the “teaching priest,” known for his deep love of Scripture and
    faithful preaching
  • In 2003, Pastor Andrew was taken home, and First Lady Colleen took the helm, leading the church through the interim period. Under her leadership, the church grew spiritually and numerically. During a pivotal time in our church's life, Pastor Colleen, while enduring her own grief, ensured the church remained stable until it was time for William A. Bennett to assume the Pastoral role.

In 2007, their sons, Elder William Bennett (Senior Pastor) and Elder Andrew Bennett, Jr.,
assumed leadership. Under Pastors William & Andrew Jr., the church continued to grow in
membership, ministry, and outreach.

  • In 2010, the church removed itself from the Church of God in Christ and became Non--
    Denominational.
  • In 2012, City of Refuge moved into its 27,000-square-foot building located at 401 E. Jefferson, Bloomington, IL
  • In 2024, City of Refuge sold its Jefferson building and purchased a new facility at 404 Brock Drive, Bloomington, IL—approximately 40,000 square feet—to better serve both congregants and the surrounding community. This move reflects a vision for increased accessibility, expanded outreach, and greater ministry capacity.

In recognition of the founding family's long service and impact, the city of Bloomington
designated the West Taylor Street block in front of the church’s former location as “Bennett
Family Boulevard.” This serves as both a memorial and testimony to what God has done
through City of Refuge Ministries.