Bishop Algenor Johnson & Mother Edith Johnson

Refuge Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ began 44 years ago in the home of Bishop and Mother Algenor Johnson. The church started with two faithful members which were Mother Edith Johnson and the late Mother Ethel Allen [Mother Johnson's mother].

Through God's guidance, Bishop Johnson was led to take the message of the gospel to the rural areas of his hometown in Sandston, Virginia. The Lord began to bless the church in a marvelous way. Several souls went down in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ and received the gift of the Holy Ghost!

Since then, Refuge Church has acquired six building permits and currently has obtained the seventh to begin a new sanctuary for the Lord. God laid it on Bishop Johnson's heart to call the new building, "The City of Refuge Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ!" The church has served as a beckoned light to the community. It is one of the fastest growing churches in the Sandston area. 

Refuge Church serves as the headquarters church for the Virginia Northern Diocese. Not only are Bishop Algenor Johnson and Mother Edith Johnson the Pastor and First Lady of their local church [Refuge Church] but they also preside as the VND Diocesan state Bishop and Mother! During the early 1980s, Bishop Johnson served as the Diocesan Bishop over the state of Kentucky.

Through their (Bishop and Mother Johnson) leadership and ministry, a countless number of souls have been led to Christ and have passed Sandston's way. God has done and continues to do mighty things for Sandston and the Refuge Church family greatly appreciates it!