Refuge Church was birthed out of the heart of God through Rufus and Sarah Settles and was organized in 1954, in Rockville, Maryland. In 1955, in Tobeytown, (a small community in Potomac, Maryland)  Elder Settles was prompted by the Holy Spirit to erect a small building in which to hold services.  Rufus and Sarah Settles and the congregation of Refuge Church continued to walk in obedience to God and three years later, in 1958, they purchased an acre of land in Olney, Maryland. A tent was built and the congregation from Tobeytown began having worship services a the new site.

Thanksgiving and sacrificial offerings were given willingly by the small dedicated membership and a $7000 building fund started. The Lord used Elder Settles' expertise as a brick mason and the skills of the laborers in the congregation to build the current structure. Blood, sweat, tears, a mind to work and an intense love for God, all blended together, caused the vision given to Rufus and Sarah Settles to be manifested and not prove false. (Hab. 2:2)

A "refuge" emerged out of the wilderness and still stands in the midst of a growing, upwardly mobile, modern, suburban community. This "refuge" has touched and continues to touch the lives of people for miles around. Ministry to the total person has always been the focus for Refuge Church. Elder Settles' message, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God", was broadcast over the Voices of Triumph radio ministry in the Washington, D.C metropolitan area. This "Sonship" identification gives mankind hope and gives them the avenue by which they can come into relationship with their Father and Creator.

In 1983, through the sacrifice and diligence of Refuge's members, major updates were made within the church building. Bishop Settles, as he was ordained by this time, served Refuge Church faithfully until his home going on October 5, 1985. He passed the baton of leadership to his eldest son, Rufus Lamont Settles. Through him, the Lord has fulfilled many areas of the vision originally given to Bishop; however, the Lord has broadened the vision and has given Pastor Lamont a fuller revelation of His heart and purpose for this congregation.

The Lord has surrounded Pastor Lamont with men and women who are also committed to the vision of this ministry. They are also successful in the business world because of their relationship with Jesus Christ. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, they, along with the congregation's cooperation, are governing Refuge Church according to the word of God and are dedicated to the glory of God.

The several arms of ministry extend outside the walls of this structure through evangelism, prison ministry, and foreign missions ministries. Leadership and discipleship training are in place and are available to all who desire to take part. To the Glory of God, many ministries have been reorganized and have blossomed into effective witnessing tools. One example of this reorganization is the Men's Ministry; they have taken on the task of maintaining  the building and grounds. They are learning to become and helping other men to become leaders in their homes. Their mentor for this task is Pastor Rufus Lamont Settles, a man who has been made new by the Spirit of the Living God.

Refuge Church is open to anyone who desires to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord & Savior. There are no limitations on moving forward with God. Support and training to develop into the person God has destined you to be is available at Refuge Church and the Holy Spirit is the true Leader of the people of God.