Building A Church For The People
The establishment of every church is the will of God. The Refuge Baptist Church is not an exception. Three months before Bishop Amos W. Tarpeh, Jr, move to the United States of America he spoke with Rev. Enoch Davis Nyankoon a Baptist minister in Kentucky. When he learned that Bishop Tarpeh was a minister he told him about his prayer and plan with the Baptist Convention of Pennsylvania and South Jersey to begin a Baptist Church in the Philadelphia area; on the other hand, Liberian Baptist in the USA were also praying to plant a Baptist Church where they will worship and enjoy a meaningful experience as Baptist as they worship God.
Further, Bishop Amos W. Tarpeh, Jr was informed by his father, Deacon Amos W. Tarpeh, Sr.(*) that Bro. William B. Suah and other Baptist were praying for his coming to the USA. Two weeks after his arrival he met with them and they prayed together. Planning began sooner than expected when Bishop. Amos W. Tarpeh, Jr met with Rev. Enoch Nyankoon, Rev. Richard and Rev. Hal Hopkins.
On May 30, 2002 a prayer service was help in the backyard of Bishop Amos W. Tarpeh, Jr with 36 people in attendance. Rev. Michael Cooper from the Word Tabernacle Baptist at 53rd and Chester Avenue served as the guest preacher. He encouraged Liberian that they can group themselves and make a difference. Soon after the prayer service Bishop Amos W. Tarpeh, Jr attended a conference of church planters where he was commission by the Baptist Convention of Pennsylvania and South Jersey.
Evangelism began in September, 2002 listing potential prospect of church membership. Flyers were place at all African meeting places and shops. It was a transformation; many call in to ask of the Ministry and the planter profile.
Bishop Amos W. Tarpeh, Jr received financial support from his family and some members of the core group to rent a hall for worship. Thus on November 3, 2002 the first worship service was held at the Woodland Presbyterian Church with 96 people in attendance.
Today the Refuge Baptist Church worship at 6848 Elmwood Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with a total membership of 160 people and an average worship attendance of 125 people every month. The Church is leading exciting Christian ministries in its community of service. Now we can say we have come this far by faith, truly he has been our refuge and strength.
After four years of worship at Elmwood Avenue, the Church purchase and renovated a new facility for her worship services. The new place of worship at 6712-20 Upland Avenue will host a Sanctuary, Children Church, Fellowship Hall, four offices, three bathrooms and a parking space.
On June 8, 2008 the church a opening service for the new facility. Over five hundred saints from sister churches and people from the community congregated to celebrate and thank God for his goodness and faithfulness. The new worship center has a capacity to seat 200 people in a single worship and 225 worshippers at most.
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(*) Deceased
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