Born and raised in the streets of Harlem, NY Andrew Bennett, Sr. one day said he had enough of the street and drug life. Therefore, as he sat on the corner and cried out for God’s help, God did a quick work saving and filling him with the Holy Ghost. Around the same time in Evanston, IL God was washing and saving a young lady by the name of Colleen Smith. God would soon join these two together in marriage and commission them to go to Bloomington, IL to preach the gospel.

In 1976 and 1981 Andrew and Colleen founded the City of Refuge C.O.G.I.C. Through City of Refuge Andrew and Colleen served the community of Bloomington-Normal regardless of race, condition, or whether the people being saved were a sinner or saint.

In 1979 and 1981 Andrew and Colleen gave birth to two sons called of God who would work along side their father and mother. In 2003, the Lord called Founder and Pastor Andrew Bennett Sr. home to glory, but the work was continued on by his wife. After 3 years of successfully leading the Church, Pastor Colleen Bennett turned the leadership reigns over to her son and current Pastor William A. Bennett.

Pastor William A. Bennett along with his wife is continuing the legacy of his parents. Teaching all to remember where God has brought us, so that God may get the glory. God has taken us to a new level as we are currently in the planning phase to expand our building.