CHURCH HISTORY

In 1902, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and with the prayers and assistance of such faithful saints of God as Deacon William Thacker and Sister Lucinda Jones, Rev. Turner Thacker founded Thacker’s Memorial United Holy Church where he served as pastor for 38 years.

During its one hundred and six (106) year history, Thacker’s Memorial, an affiliate of the United Holy Church of America, Inc. has had ten (10) ministers to serve as Shepherd of this flock. Among them were Rev. Turner Thacker (1902-1940), Rev. Crosby Thacker (1940 – 1960), Rev. Fred T. Jones, Sr. (1960-1964), Rev. Samuel Obie (1964-1982), Rev. Herman Long (1982-1987), Elder David Henderson (1987 – 1994), Rev. Jeffery McLaughlin (1994-1996), Elder John Brown (1996-2003), Elder Robert Hogue (2004 – 2006) and Elder Kevin L. Maxwell (2006 – present).

The church began to see significant growth during the pastorate of Rev. Samuel Obie. It was during this period that the church experienced its greatest level of membership. The growth of the ministry was a testimony to the faithfulness of God and the integrity, positive leadership and ability to relate to the membership of this pastor. But much like other organizations which experience periods of progression, Thacker’s Memorial went through stagnation and regression. As God’s Word states in Jeremiah 3:15, “He will give us pastors according to His heart, which shall feed us with knowledge and understanding.” God certainly did this through the pastorate of Elder David Henderson. The Lord used this man of God to help the ministry begin to climb back to its former days of progression. Elder Henderson remained as pastor for seven years.

Presently, Thacker’s Memorial United Holy Church is under the leadership of one of the original sons of the ministry, Pastor Kevin L. Maxwell. Under his leadership, the Lord has blessed the church to begin to grow again spiritually as He adds to the Body such as should be saved. Under his leadership, the Church has changed the name of the ministry to CITY OF REFUGE OUTREACH MINISTRIES, HOME OF THACKER’S MEMORIAL UHC. Additionally, the ministry is involved in numerous outreach project including, “Community Night Out” at Windsor Center, Guilford Health Care Center, the adoption of Brown Summit Middle School and Voice of Victory Radio Broadcast. The church has been given a vision that encompasses reaching and ministering to those, locally and globally, that are lost and hurting. Additionally, the physical facility of the ministry continues to experience improvements for the glorification of God and the edification of His people. It is without a doubt that the church’s spiritual, financial, and future growth will be one of continued success as the church is moved forward in excellence.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR THE GREAT THINGS HE IS DOING!