Church History
Every organization must suffer the pangs of growth and the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ was no exception. In the year 1957 there was a major schism within the ranks of our organization. This occasioned Bishop Lawson's calling together the now famous Summit meeting which was the rallying and turning point of our organization. It was in the closing session that Bishop Lawson preached a soul stirring message recounting the work that he had done and hurled the challenge to all who would receive it. "ADD THOU TO IT". The Challenge was accepted. From that moment on the organization began to grow to new greatness.  

The clarion call for our illustrious leader came on Sunday July 2, 1961, and Bishop Lawson a prince of preachers, the Bible Answer man, God's shining star departed this life.  

Bishop Lawson's death necessitated new leadership. It was to the Convention in August 1961 that Bishop William Lee Bonner introduced proposals. "Twelve recommendation for the common good. "The National Convocation acted upon this and a three man apostle's Board was formed. Bishop Hubert J. Spencer, Bishop William L. Bonner, and Bishop Maurice H. Hutner. Bishop Hubert J. Spencer was unanimously elected to preside. A year later the Board expanded to five Apostles and Bishop John W. Pernell and Bishop Henry Jones were included. Subsequent to the demise of Apostle Maurice Hutner, Bishop J.P. Steadman was elected to the Apostle's Board.  

In the year 1961, Bishop Bonner was sent to the mother church. Upon coming and seeing the need he set about the remodeling of Refuge Temple. The mother church and headquarters of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ is now known as the Greater Refuge Temple. This ultra-modern edifice has changed the face of 7th Avenue and is undisputedly one on the most modern structures in Harlem, with a total seating capacity of three thousand seats with thirty-six conference and meeting rooms, all fully furnished in modern decor. The words of or famed pioneer and Apostle are still resounding in our ears. "Add Thou To It!!! Add Thou To It!!! and the answer comes from the church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we will, we shall, we have."  

"Hitherto hath the Lord brought us..............."  

***Edited from original text Discipline Book,Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith,Inc.,third edition, 1969***