“…Go, shut thyself within thine house.” Ezekiel 3:24
1980s
This decade marks the founding of the ministry, its early growth, its naming as City of Refuge, and the establishment and dedication of its first sanctuary and fellowship hall.
Hearing the call of God, Deacon Thynoise and Evangelist Mary W. Hines obeyed. On October 14, 1983, they withdrew their membership from Hall’s Temple Church of God in Christ. Deacon and Evangelist Hines, along with members of their family, began a Bible study in their home at 2258 Formosa Circle in Brunswick, Georgia. The group met every Wednesday night. Those attending included Deacon and Evangelist Hines; Cheryl and Victor Hines; John, Deborah, Deirdre, and Jason Fields; and Nelson, Carolyn, Angel, and Daniel Hines.
In November, Missionary Hannah and Tony Whing, along with many others, joined this small family group. The newly formed fellowship chose the name Inner Circle Bible Band. Services were held twice each week: Bible study on Wednesday nights, and Sunday School and Worship Service on Sundays.
In March 1984, the late Bishop J. D. Husband and the late Mother Gwendolyn Howard met with Deacon and Evangelist Hines in their home. Bishop Husband sanctioned the home worship and encouraged the leaders. He proposed that the group continue under the Church of God in Christ name and that his name be used as pastor for administrative purposes. After his return to Atlanta and the completion of the proper procedures, the Inner Circle Bible Band officially became a Church of God in Christ Mission.
The Lord sent a mighty revival during the summer months. Many were saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit, and the hearts and minds of the saints were refreshed. The membership roster grew weekly as new believers joined the mission. Louise Prince was among those who found this mission to be the place of refuge God had called it to be.
The mission’s name was officially changed to City of Refuge Mission Church of God in Christ on August 24, 1984. “City of Refuge” reflects the work God appointed this mission to carry out, as described in Joshua 20:4.
“And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.”
Thousands of years ago, Ramoth was appointed a city of refuge for the land of Gilead. It is the desire of the members that this mission, like Ramoth, would be a place of security and healing for the saints of God. The church motto responds to the plea in Jeremiah 8:22: “Yes! There is a balm in Gilead; the Great Physician is nigh!”
After a slight delay in moving in, the first services in the new sanctuary were held on Wednesday, July 10, 1985. Evangelist Mary W. Hines brought the message from 1 Kings 19:15–16, 19–21, titled “Holy unto the Lord.” With Bishop J. D. Husband presiding, dedication services were held Friday and Saturday, October 25–26, 1985. On Friday night, baby christenings, baptism, and communion were observed. On the day of dedication, the Spirit of God could be felt throughout the sanctuary as the State Choir opened by singing, “Hallelujah! God is worthy to be praised.” Bishop Husband preached from Genesis 28:16–22 and Matthew 16:13–18, entitling his sermon “A Day of Discovery.” Throughout the years, City of Refuge Mission has continued to be a Bible-teaching, fivefold ministry—striving to be a place of safety and security in uncertain times.
In the late 1980s, from a hospital bed, Pastor Mary W. Hines gave detailed instruction for the interior design that would expand the ministry’s walls of fellowship. Following the leading of the Lord, City of Refuge Mission purchased a duplex home behind the church property with cash. After renovations and the joining of the two buildings, the church enjoyed the beauty and fruit of its labor—also paid for in cash. Pastor Mary Hines envisioned a hall of elegance. That vision remains evident today: the Fellowship Hall features chandeliers and wall sconces, tiled floors, and elegant draperies. The duplex was converted from a home for people into a home for Christ—a place where the fellowship of the saints would echo through its rooms. This anointed, faith-filled handmaiden of God, Pastor Mary W. Hines, passed from this life on January 12, 2007, at 5:37 a.m., after a lifetime of service to the Lord.
2000s
This decade highlights a major move of God through the youth, expanding the church’s reach and deepening its commitment to practical care and discipleship.
The year 2003 brought great change within the ministry. In the second quarter of the year, God transformed the familiar demographic of the church. The Youth Department of City of Refuge Mission Family Worship Center experienced a sudden influx of souls. Minister Daniel Hines, Minister Patricia Kitchen, Sis. Emily Kitchen, and Sis. Michelle Slay watched as the Sunday School Department was inundated with youth from across the city and county. Youth involvement grew from about 25 to over 100 in approximately six weeks.
As ministry to these souls increased, so did awareness of practical needs. For some, the “snack” received during Sunday School was the only food they had that day. In response, the snack became two meals: a full breakfast (bacon, eggs, grits, sausage, etc.) served during Sunday School, and a bag lunch sent home with each child.
Morning worship also felt the impact. With more than 100 children in the sanctuary, nearly every aspect of “normal worship” was affected—from praise and worship to the morning message. These changes proved to be too much for some, and during this season several members withdrew from the church. Yet those who remained carried the mandate with steadfast commitment.
The move of God was evident in the lives of these youth. Countless were saved, healed, delivered, and filled with the Holy Ghost. During the sermon, the altar area was often filled with young people sitting “crisscross applesauce,” listening intently to messages tailored by the Holy Spirit for the majority in attendance. And while the occasional fight would erupt, these formerly unchurched youth were taught to fight the enemy and not each other. Many have since grown into God-filled, successful adults.
2010s
This decade reflects a season of transition and expansion, including a new name, licensing and ordination, global ministry growth, and a strengthened healing and prayer outreach.
On October 2, 2013, City of Refuge Mission Church of God in Christ—following God’s divine purpose—ended its tenure with the COGIC denomination and officially changed its name to City of Refuge Mission Family Worship Center. On May 24, 2015, City of Refuge Mission Family Worship Center held its first licensing and ordination service: 11 ministers were licensed, and two elders were ordained.
City of Refuge Mission Family Worship Center became the headquarters church for City of Refuge Ministries Worldwide, Inc., a fellowship of churches and ministries. In July 2016, the eldest grandson of the founders of City of Refuge, Pastor Daniel T. Hines, was publicly affirmed and consecrated to the office of Chief Apostle and Presiding Prelate, and he continues to carry out the God-given vision of City of Refuge Ministries. In March 2017, Apostle Hines traveled to Africa and launched an overseas ministry connected to City of Refuge. Over the next three years, his travels took him to Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, and Takoradi/Komenda (Ghana); East London (South Africa); and Mombasa, Voi, and Taita County (Kenya).
Upon returning from Africa in 2017, City of Refuge Mission Family Worship Center became a healing center for many. Testimonies of healing from cancer, lupus, congestive heart failure, and more began to flood in. The CORMFWC Prayer Blanket Ministry was birthed from this shift. Since April 2017, nearly 700 fleece blankets (60" × 80") have been anointed, prayed over, and distributed worldwide. Testimonies of healing, restored relationships, deliverance, and more have accompanied the prayer blankets.
2020s
This decade tells the story of persevering worship through the pandemic, expanded prayer initiatives, facility improvements, and enduring faith through both trials and milestone moments.
In March 2020, the United States was met head-on by the Coronavirus pandemic. Across the globe—and then across our nation—life as we knew it came to an abrupt halt. The church world was no different. With the threat of criminal charges in some places, ministries faced unprecedented questions: How do we remain connected during this pandemic? How do we assemble for worship while remaining in compliance with new ordinances? Will worship ever return to what it looked like before?
Amid it all, the Lord mandated that City of Refuge Mission Family Worship Center keep its doors open—and so we did. Some Sundays there were more musicians than congregants, yet we remained open. By following social distancing protocols and strict cleaning and disinfecting regimens, we honored the instructions of the Lord and continued in worship.
Open Door Intercessory Prayer began in May 2020. The sanctuary opened daily for three hours so people could access dedicated time for prayer. Our first Curbside Prayer was held June 22, 2021, during heavy rain. Nevertheless, obeying the voice of the Lord, a tent was set up. Apostle Daniel Hines, Evangelist Rosa Ramsey, Elder Judy Thomas, Prophet Marquail Alford, Sis. Denise Gardner, and Sis. Amber Howell sat under the tent and prayed for the four people who stopped that first day. Every Tuesday and Thursday—rain or shine, hot or cold—we continue to pray with and for anyone who drives, rides, or walks by in need of prayer.
During the pandemic, the church building received a much-needed facelift. Members came together to update both the exterior and interior. In the late 1980s—when the fellowship hall was purchased, attached, and renovated—the building had been painted blue. With time, the blue faded; it was replaced with a warm tan and bright white trim. Members provided the labor for this project, from pressure washing and scraping paint to using sprayers, rollers, and brushes. The finishing touch was crisp red mulch laid in the flowerbeds surrounding the church—drawing many compliments from neighborhood residents.
In 2021–2022, improvements moved indoors. Updates included modifications to the pulpit area; new tile; fresh paint; a kitchen upgrade; renovated main bathrooms; renovated nursery/toddler rooms; updates to the Deacons’/Finance Office; and renovations to the Pastor’s Study, including new furniture that complemented the refreshed space. In anticipation of the next phase of ministry, an overflow area was also prepared. CCTV cameras were installed as part of broader sound and media upgrades completed during this season.
After 38 years in the same location, just two days before the anniversary celebration in October 2022, City of Refuge Mission Family Worship Center experienced vandalism for the first time in its history when the church sign was torn from the building and left mangled in the yard. We still stand—committed to the course. In December 2024 and January 2025, the sanctuary was renovated for the first time in nearly 35 years.
As it pleased Almighty God, on May 1, 2023, the patriarch of City of Refuge Mission Family Worship Center, Bishop Thynoise Hines, was called to his heavenly reward. At 97 years old, Bishop Hines completed decades of faithful service to the Lord and His Kingdom. Bishop, Pastor, Teacher, Mentor, Intercessor, and Prayer Warrior were among the roles he fulfilled with honor. The Episcopal Homegoing Celebration for Bishop Thynoise Hines was held Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 12:00 noon at Philadelphia the Overcomers Church of Deliverance.
His legacy—and the many lives he impacted—was evident in those in attendance. With more than 30 Episcopal and ecclesiastical leaders present on the platform, the service was officiated by his spiritual son, Pastor Michael Hardy. The order of worship was thoughtfully prepared to honor Bishop Hines through prayers, songs, and episcopal and ecclesiastical felicitations.
At the conclusion of the Prayer of Comfort, led by Prophetess Gretta Hall, the glory of the Most High God filled the sanctuary. In the words of the hymn, “…and the sky rolled back like a scroll…,” the Lord ministered to His people as they honored Bishop Hines with excellence. The Right Reverend Bishop Thynoise Hines was eulogized by his grandson and mentee, The Most Reverend Chief Apostle Dr. Daniel T. Hines.
The congregation of this church is dedicated to building up the Kingdom of God our Father, from whom comes every good and perfect gift; to honoring Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior; to praising the Holy Spirit, the source of light and life; and to the work of the whole Church.