A Place of Refuge, Inc is a debt free organization founded by Bishop Barry D. Walker. A Place of Refuge-Rome is under the leadership of Pastor Kenneth A. Murray. In the year 2006, the Elders of A Place of Refuge-Carrollton were assigned the task of choosing a city in the northwest GA region to start a community bible study and outreach.  After much prayer and thorough research, the Elders were led by the Holy Ghost in choosing Rome, GA; specifically, the South/East Rome communities.

With the location being set, an Elder was to be selected to lead the Rome Bible Study. The Elders prayed and fasted seeking the Lord for who He wanted to oversee the mission. After several days, the Holy Ghost spoke through our beloved Elder Dennis Freeman saying, “Elder-elect Murray is the one that the Lord wants to lead the Rome Bible Study.”  With the approval of Bishop Walker, the Rome Bible Study began on October 25, 2007 in the South Rome Community Center. Elder Murray and his wife were loyal in the work. They hosted a weekly bible study and conducted yearly crusades in the community.

In 2012, a vacant building and lot located at 19 East Main Street was brought to Elder Murray’s attention by a member of the bible study. There were some setbacks and delays in acquiring the building and land throughout 2012. All to the glory of God, on September 19th, 2013, the property was purchased debt free.  The process of remodeling and beautifying the building began while the weekly bible study and outreach were being maintained. Many of the saints from the mother church in Carrollton stepped in to help regularly with bible study, outreach, remodeling, and landscaping.  Through much prayer, fasting, and laboring, the bible study and outreach were productive.

On Sunday November 9th, 2014, Bishop Walker ordained Elder Murray as a pastor.  On Saturday, November 14, 2014, the building for A Place of Refuge-Rome was dedicated unto the service of the Lord.  Bishop Walker then entrusted the church in Rome to the care of Pastor Kenneth A. Murray.

A Place of Refuge now operates in four cities in Georgia:  Carrollton, Thomaston, Newnan, and Rome.  We give all the glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.