Fifty-five years ago Nov. 3, 1947, a baby was born in Harlem, N.Y., the son of the late Mrs. Carrie McCallister. Andrew Bennett Sr. was the eldest of seven children.

Life in Harlem took its toll, and from 1960 to 1971, Andrew was wrapped in a web of gang activity, criminal activities and drug addiction. After years of separation from his family and the loss of his mother, Andrew decided he needed a change. In the midst of his despair he found a church called "Soul Saving Station." Here he met Pastor Geta, who told him Jesus could change his life. He prayed with him and put him on a train to Pivot Point, a Christian rehabilitation center in Connecticut. After three months he graduated to Teen Challenge in Pennsylvania. Here God visited him with dreams and visions and a call into the ministry.

After successful completion of the program, Andrew came to Chicago to work at Prevention Rehabilitation Center under the direction of the Rev. Bob Stultz. While working at Prevention he attended Faith Temple COGIC under the leadership of Elder Carlis Moody (now Bishop Carlis Moody). It was here that he met Sister Colleen Smith. They were united in holy matrimony June 29, 1974. To this union were added two sons, Andrew Jr. and William Anthony. Andrew Sr. attended Trinity Bible College in North Dakota.

In late 1975 while walking past an abandoned church, God spoke to Minister Bennett's heart about opening a Church of God In Christ. In 1976 he was presented to Bishop L.H. Ford for ordination. In February 1976 the City of Refuge, COGIC was birthed at 301 S. Western Ave. in Bloomington. For over 27 years, Pastor Bennett has served the local community, feeding the poor, visiting the sick and helping all in need. He and his wife also established G.R.O.U.P., a ministry for substance abusers and gang members. He was also an entrepreneur. He owned Trendsetters Hair Salon, Off the Beaten Path and Global Sights and Sounds.

In 1981, the church moved to 1313 W. Taylor, their present location. In January 2003 he led the church into its current building drive, purchasing five acres of land for a new sanctuary.

Pastor Bennett left this life for Glory on Wednesday (Aug. 6, 2003) after being ill. He was preceded in death by his mother, stepfather and one brother.