Wheelchair-accessible car park
Yes
The Greater Refuge Temple in New York
Categories
Location on the map
New York, New York County, New York, US
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Yes
Phone: +1 212-866-1700
Opening hours
- Monday:Closed
- Tuesday:Closed
- Wednesday:10AM–12:53PM
- Thursday:10AM–12:53PM
- Friday:Closed
- Saturday:Closed
- Sunday:10AM–12:53PM
The Greater Refuge Temple in other cities:
Comments (197)
My church is wonderful its all inclusive come as you are but dress code for women head covered were dress or skirt. Our pastor is Richard Wright sr or former pastor is bishop Bonner. You come is dreary tired leave out refreshed and motivated to be anointed. If you bring any bottle of oil they will anoint it for you. Choir is beautiful especially the mens choir and childrens choir. Holy communion is third Sunday monthly. So come I encourage and be filled with a over running cup.
We went to the 4pm service. It was nice that we were welcomed into the service with no issues. We were 2 dressed appropriately for the occasion. The participants of the service where around 80-90% tourists. A bunch of them not very respectful, talking loudly, with casual attire and even suitcases. Once the service started the gospel singing was beautiful and the atmosphere was engaging. Half the way through the service the pastor gave a passionate sermon that felt very oriented to non-believers, which presumably were most of the crowd sitting there. While I do recommend the experience, and the message was beautiful, maybe try the morning service, to get the real deal. Remember that this a place of worship and not a show when you get there.
The worship, prayer, praise and the Word was rich and a blessing! Visitors, tourists, members and friends, all of us worshipping the One and Only true and living God together! Our God is Mind blowing& Phenomenal! Will be going back again and again....
My home church. Warm welcoming and worship for all. You leave with the spirit and the good word. After 30+ years I’m so blessed to still feel part of the church even after my absence over the years. God is good all the time!
The Assistant Pastor Bishop Wilkins Jr requested on last Sunday for all who needed a Miracle to attend Wednesday evening prayer. My son Jesse encouraged me to attend an hour and a half before prayer service. I told him Id give it thought due to I was exhausted and had just got home from work. But thank you Jesus I pressed out and the Holy Ghost was at work. I thank God for my Miracle. Gids amazing
TOURIST-TRAP. Being there waiting for an hour in the queue (10 a.m. worship starts at 11) we kept watching groups of tourists tours/buses entering massively. Around 10:45 we were told there wasnt any more space for non-locals. Then they explained to us that the tourists that could enter had booked a paid tour. Its a business.
I felt right at home beinging in Gods house for my first time ever in this church. I cant remember the paster name who gave the word but he did a wonderful job and I felt like I was the only one in the room n he was talking to me. The word was powerful thank you for the invite elder Douglas.
My home church is The Apostolic Word-center. We preach, teach, and encourage all visitors, members, and friends to present a holy lifestyle because Jesus is holy. Many prophets attend this church, and we dont get carried away with super-spiritual distractions. Only Jesus, please. Evangelism is our focus.
This is a great place for you to learn the word of God and fellowship among the saints.
If ur gonna experience Sunday Gospel, worth a visit. Make sure to leave a donation:) many tourists have no manners, abusing such a holy place
My birthing place . I am highly honored to be chosen by the Lord Jesus Christ , to be apart of the great church. I have learned so much from the late Apostle William Lee Bonner and present pastor Bishop Charles Wright.
The Church celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. The Church was formerly known as Greater Refuge Church when it was founded in 1919 by Bishop and Founder C.L. Lawson. Legendary Jazz musician Fats Waller was a member of the Church. Bishop William Lee Bonner was best known and loved for 50 years for his fiery, encouraging and redemptive sermons. He is responsible for the churchs architecture which has made it world reknown. It is now pastored by Bishop Charles Wright and Assistant Bishop William Wilkins, Jr. For spiritual food, prayer and a message from God pay a visit.
We have church there bishop Wilkerson is anointed and full of the holyghost what anointing God is in refudge temple
Hallelujah Blessing Thank You Lord for sharing great leadership in every service. Smile Praise and walk on the Glory of Gods true saints.
ECSDANBIBLECTHIS IS A CHANCE TO SEE A PIECE OF GREAT AMERICAN RELIGIOUS HOSTORY. ONE OF RHE BEST PLACES TO SEE AN AUTHENTIC RENDERING OF DEEP SOUTH BLACK BIBLE CULTURE. THE REFUGE TEMPLE IS TRULY A CHRIST CENTERED,SPIRIT--FILLED REFUGE FROM A WORLD OF FLESH AND DISTRACTION. PLUS,BE SURE TO EXPERIENCE THE SOUL UPLIFTING GOSPEL OF THE RADIO CHOIR.THANKYOU.E.G.HERU KA--MAATHARLEM//U.S.A.
Grew up in this church and learnt a lot ...it broke my heart when I founded out Bishop Bonner passed away...Ill never forget the day I was baptized in this powerful church which my uncle Harry Evans and My aunt Diane are members of and are the ones who brought me to truth in the word and will forever be grateful for them.and refuge temple as well as their sister church Solomon temple in Detroit.
I have experienced the power of God in the Services of Greater Refuge Temple. I pray they never change so that Gods glory will continue to rest there.
I always attend The Greater Refuge Temple whenever I come back home to visit my Family and Friends here in New York City ( I live in Toronto Canada). The Church Pastor Charles Wright is always a blessing to all who hear him speak truthfully about the true living word (God’s word through The Holy Bible).I also feel that I could have attended this Church as a younger Child being accompanied by my neighbor Mr. Lancaster. I thank The Holy Ghost for leading my Spirit to Greater Refuge Church.In Jesus name. Amen.Sincerely,Hallie S.
It was great experience and one that I would enjoy again. I attended the celebration of the centennial cool Jesus Christ.
We went there without belonging to the community and they did not have a problem, they were very nice and welcoming. It was much appreciated.
Great hospitality, friendly people , amazing gospel service. Went on a Sunday morning at the 11am service
Good music and word. The security and ushers need training. Kindness is godliness.
Sad place to go but you dont have no choice
It is a good church if you are in the area you must go check it out it is a place of peace and healing and love i love ir
The anointing this church, there is no other like Greater Refuge Temple. God bless you GRT.
The service n the message is off the huck..every service is inspiring to me n my life has changed for the better n the FOOD is on
Good music! But the staff was so rude! Need training to interact with people.
Amazing service with live gospel choir. A must if you visit NYC.
Beautiful Church my familys been going his since I was a baby
It is beautiful and the choir is amazing the service of all pasters is powerful love it all
Im A Member Of This Church Very HighlyRecommended Holy Ghost Filled...
I found here, TheBibles way ofSalvation. Acts 2:38No place like it. GODSPresence is here!
Good preaching and awesome gospel singing....a good place to worship at!!!
My Home church. Best place for front rows seats at all parades.
Awesome place to pray,hear and encouraging words and have some one pray with you
A wonderful place of worship 😇
Tired of living in darkness and want a better relationship with Jesus. This is place to go Holy Ghost filled.
This is refuge for sick people and they are renewed after hearing the word I learned a lot from this house of GOD.
Its a great church to go to GOD is In that church Amen.
The church is awesome in worship and praise. Prayers
My experience is Heaven came down and glory fill my soulMy soul is always bless
The most amazing church I’ve been to.
Great Church! Love it!
Wonderful worship service and always enjoying the preaching!!
High energy, testifying service. Amazing soloist and choir.
Awesome place but doesnt have parking lot
GOD REALLY MOVED TONIGHT 2020 IS FOR VISION IN THIS SEASON, IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME AMEN !!!
It was excellent, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit!!
Excellent place to worship!! God is there!
Wonderful place. Their singing gives you shivers.
While my grandmother this was her home this place still brings back memories
Great! I am full spiritual when i leave.
Thank you for welcoming us ! It was a pleasure.
Exscorted my patient there the service was nice
Nice church
Great place to worship God
I love the church holy ghost fired baptized
Praise Unity Gods Glory.Wonderful Feel
To God be the Glory!!!I have been truly bless
Only member
God blessed them ⛪ and we blessed people
My Church and Favorite place to Worship😇
The best In town
I love it. God is good
Its as close to heaven without being there.
My Home church was on Holyghost fire...
Best place on earth. Must check out
Spacious. Very nice place.
Great messages and love the choir!!!
I always loved the Greater Refuge Temple.
The worst and the ushers are very rude .
Spiritually uplifting. Blessed.
Awesome place to worship 👏
When visiting this place, there was a Harlem parade
I loved it Very much
Good God words.
Great worship experience
A great place to worship
Great place to worship
Love This Church hallelujah
The place to be everyday of the week!
Great place to worship
My church home ❤
Praising the lord 24/7
It is a wonderful church
Love it
The Spirit of the Lord resides here!
Awesome!!
Great congregation
All emotions!!
Great services
Great service
You get uplifted🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Great to the max
Gospel
Passion
Its Beautiful
Good services
PRAISE THE LORD
Spirit-Filled Church
Praise God
Blessed!!!
Unlike as reported by many reviews and websites, we went on Wednesday from 7pm but there was no one
We witnessed this morning at 11 a Gospel mass inside this church ... what can I say ... wonderful !! They were very kind, they made us sit a little further back to obviously give priority to the locals (its a place of worship not a show), all smiling, the chilling wonderful chorus with truly crazy male voices (today there were only men singing during the service, even if before the start some women from the choir did 4 songs as an introduction). Council to go there at least an hour before to be able to find a place and obviously avoid the use of mobile phones because they catch you immediately and rightly get angry! I repeat it is in a place of worship not a show and therefore there is the utmost respect.
Perfect church to witness the true gospel. Please behave politely and behavior you will surely be reciprocated. I have seen several Italians behave badly as usual. Photos and videos cannot be made! Can we bring some respect? Thank you.
Nice gospel mass experience. Long queue outside and long wait because priority is given to tourist groups. The environment is very large and in the end there is still a place to sit despite the high turnout and thanks to the organization of the staff. Experience to do, at times moving.
Real intense gospel mass. They are aware of having many tourists and congratulated them for the presence. 3 hours duration. Going out to your liking is not welcome and adequate clothing is required.
My partner and I went to Harlem on a Sunday afternoon just to attend mass and at the door they asked us if we were tourists. By saying that we were denied entry. We asked please that they let us put us by a little lad since we came from afar only for that, but it was not possible. I never thought that I would be banned from entering a Church. We leave with great sadness and very disappointed.
I did not like anything, totally disenchanted with gospel Masses. They do not let you integrate with the faithful, they take you to another floor, it seems that you are in a theater and they tell you how far you have to sit ... as if we were plagued, they scored a goal in full force. They have everything talked to the guides to recommend that church ... I would not recommend it again
We saw a function with a gospel choir accompanied by a guide who had made us visit Harlem; the members of the choir were old but with powerful voices and beautiful songs
Beautiful gospel mass, good reception, no intrusiveness (If not the continuous begging, two in an hour and a half, but you can still not make offers!); filming and photos with the mobile phone are forbidden; an experience to do if it has never been done.
Totally recommendable. From the first moment we have felt welcomed. There is no separation between local people and tourists, and they appreciate the visit. They pass the basket on 2 occasions but they do not force you to give a minimum. It is one of the most beautiful things seen in NY.
A beautiful experience! Beautiful people! The choir sings spectacularly. I recommend giving the offering because as tourists we sometimes pay for other places that maybe do not deserve so much.
If you go to see Gospel, its what youre looking for. The place is ugly, but the trade, the show, is brutal. That it does not happen to take out the camera. Try to find a seat near the aisle because the mass lasts many hours, the leg gap is just and you can close the access an elderly person of 150 kilos and delivered to God you do not want to disturb taking out of his trance leave.And they will not ask for it, but ask for an envelope, scratch your pocket and leave a few dollars when you leave.
A great gospel mass, I loved the place and its people.
Being able to attend and see a gospel mass in this church has been one of the best experiences of my life! We went on a Wednesday afternoon and went without much expectations (ideally to surprise you much more) and the truth that was amazing and super authentic! In some moments I had my heart in a fist of emotion! There were almost no tourists, there were quite a few people in the neighborhood, all black and it was ... amazing to live that with them! We were only there for the first hour and they sang continuously ... yes, everything is very homemade, not a show type super mounted and prepared ... They made us feel welcome at all times ... totally recommended
If you are looking for a place to see a Gospel mass this is a great option. Large chorus, very good sound, with instruments as accompaniment. It is recommended to go about 45 minutes before. First the groups that have arranged a visit enter and then the rest of the people. Despite the large queues there is a lot of room inside. The basket is passed 2 or 3 times to ask for money during the celebration. When we went there were people dressed anyway (shorts, suspenders, etc ..) and they did not cause problems; even everyone took out their mobile to take photos and videos (which should not be abused). The sermon was very long (about an hour) so most of the people left at the beginning. Anyway, by now we had already heard 3 or 4 songs.
Exciting. Everything is mobilized when they sing and even more see how they interact who are sitting. Safety pin. We must be attentive to respect the indications given to tourists.
Very disappointing! NOTHING RECOMMENDED! After being 1h queuing and watching groups of tours coming down from mass buses, they tell us there is no place. Very crowded, you only enter if you pay. I dont think this is the essence of true gospel ...
We went to the cult of Friday at 19:30. We felt welcomed from the beginning. A highly recommended and authentic experience, always from the respect it requires.
We arrived just in time before the ceremony began. Everything happens like in the movies: the reverends speeches, the dedicated soloist with his huge choir and musicians, etc. It was like going to a concert. The worst thing was that just before we left, one of the organizers threw us on top of us to drop some pasta, when only a few minutes before we had already made a donation when the trays were passed. Another of the many things in New York turned into a tourist attraction and, therefore, a great business
An amazing experience. We arrived there by chance and won a warm welcome. We immediately sat down and entered the special and sweeping atmosphere as in the movies. No photo shoot inside. During the prayers and songs, a tool passes between the guests for a donation. There is no obligation and pressure to contribute and everything is in a pleasant atmosphere. One of my strong and memorable experiences in Harlem.
Fantastic place to see, hear, feel with all your senses a gospel mass. You can not take photos, which I find more than correct, and tourists put them on top separated from the public.
If you want to go see a true Gospel Mass, go here, it is impressive they make you come the hen and the tears come out alone. It is important not to take photos during the ceremony or record video.
Unforgettable experience the Gospel mass in Harlem, New York. Of the best memories of the trip. Go a long time if you will not run out of room (starts at 11 on Sundays).
Amazing! Great great exceptional moment. 2 hours of extraordinary gospel songs followed by at least 1 hour of inhabited sermons. Guaranteed emotions. Not to miss. The office started at 11 a.m. on Sunday.
We went on a Tuesday and there was no gospel choir, but they invited us to a small and intimate prayer room where they invited us to pray with them. It was an unforgettable moment.
Great experience, if you go to see a gospel mass here its a must. No cell phones and no registrations. Enjoy the experience
The incredible gosspel. Crazy. Bad wave of the people who attend the church. Many believe themselves owners of the place and infect bad vibes. Otherwise excellent.
Little to tell. The gosper speaks for itself
A very special place, nice people who are happy to host many visitors from all over the world in ceremonies of worship. There are ceremonies on Sundays and Wednesdays, you can find on their site the times. It is highly recommended to arrive, even if you do not connect with religion, an unusual experience in the New York landscape, good music and lots of good energy.
I went this morning Sunday at 11 am an unexpected emotion involving all-round, as a Catholic I feel healthy envy not to have a transport and a collective union in our mass, do not miss this experience
Shame on you dont go to this church ... they are attached only to the God 💵💵💵💵💵💵💵 dollar .... after 1h and a half of waiting .... they let in only the groups where the guide gave the bribe to the usher.....Thieves
Church in which it is possible to attend a Gospel celebration on Sundays at 11.00.Tourists are placed in the upper seats
After queuing for an hour they tell us that it is full because only the groups that go with a guide and have paid to see the mass enter. A shame!
We were not well received. They put us in a corner and then they thought it was not good, they moved us. Feeling of discrimination
I liked to participate in the religious ceremony with gospel music. Thank you for allowing me to live in communion the praise of God with gospel rhythm
Inexplicable experience. Very exciting. Authenticates, not a show for tourists. Longish but not required to stay until the end.
Guided tour of Harlem .. Interesting history, colorful residents and wonderful prayer and music culture .. Worth finding a local tour that will take you to an explanation of beautiful Harlem
The fantastic American gospel
Great experience very comfortable and recommended 100%
Worth a visit especially while singing returns as soon as 50 is recommended.
Very kind people. The very beautiful mass. Recommendable. A good experience.
I loved sharing a gospel mass although it was a bit prepared for tourism
Lots of energy, faith and fervor for more than 2 hours, a beautiful emotion! Thank you!
It is a church where worship is celebratedOn occasions when the great hall opens it must be something more special
I loved it and the gospel mass which lasts and redresses almost 03h!
I think it is a place prepared for, the tourist, the show did not meet my expectations, I found it very forced
A unique experience.
I loved. Super welcoming in general. Something to see whenever you go to harlem.
To see a Gospel without problem of entry and with full reception to foreigners ... a unique experience
Many faces full of God! Very kind to tourists
A Gospel Mass. I was a little disappointed. Very tourist-commercial
On Sundays they have a very engaging religious celebration
Not bad this gospel, but too loud and extreme speech 👍
Stunning
You can see from above, you are sitting among the parishioners, always with respect, you can not take pictures
It is a little show, it loses the charm of other celebrations, and the part for visitors is too moved.
Go to New York and not go to a gospel mass to see something genuine about Afro music
A truly religious, wonderful experience. Excellent voices!
On Sunday at 12 oclock, impressive, real
Beautiful non-tourist mass experience, have respect
Mass Gospell of rare intensity and emotion
If you want to see Gospel, go to a theater and pay the entrance fee.
Excellent reception organized spectacular quality choirs
Incredible experience despite being unbeliever
Beautiful place very nice celebration
Its another world. Inside it are people with a lot of history.MAGNIFICENT,
The best place to live a gospel misa.
I expected something else right good people
To hear good gospel!
The music, songs and passion in the incredible ceremony
Many people, go with time because otherwise, there is no place
Highly recommended to attend one of his masses
Super emotive Gospel Mass
Good gospel choirs
My best memory of NY. Always with respect and without photos.
One of the largest evangelical churches in Harlem.
Its like being in a movie! I loved!
Good place
Like in the movie. A wonderful experience
Mass Gospel spectacular
Enthusiasm
Very pretty place
Better to come see it. Amazing
Heady voices and atmosphere
You open the doors of his temple, his house
Total reviews rating 4.4
197 Reviews for The Greater Refuge Temple 2023:
Review №1
2022-06-05Absolutely horrible church!!! Their members double park and block everyone in. If you ask them to help or make a announcement they dont care. They wont interrupt their precious service even if its an emergency. Very rude and inconsiderate people.
Review №2
2019-04-28The ceremony is very emotional and really engaging. The priest is a very good orator able to involve and rush the observants. I recommend ro turists to assist to one worship, but to do it with respect and interest.
Review №3
2022-03-02My mom❤️86 years young(God Bless) couldnt wait to get back.....last Sunday was her first time back in a little more than a year.😏❤️❤️❤️
Review №4
2022-06-06MEMBERS ONLY.i had the chance to assist a few years ago but now tourists are not allowed.
Review №5
2021-10-17Zero star! 10/17/2021 - The man in the front of the building was rude. Most of the ushers were rude. Just nasty. I was just there moments ago with my family. My family and I couldn’t tolerate the rudeness anymore. We left immediately before service started. Unbelievable! Where is the love of God in there? SMH
Review №6
2022-05-15Due to pandemic they are not accepting tourist at the moment. We tried today (5/15/32)
Review №7
2020-01-12Beautiful experience in the heart of Harlem. Welcome, smiles, moment of true humanity. A wonderful praise to the Lord.
Review №8
2022-02-02Awesome place to worship. The presence of the Lord is always there
Review №9
2018-07-30Opened for everyone. And gospel was very emotional.
Review №10
2018-08-04We went here on a Sunday for gospel. It was excellent. The only downside is the way their security services are treating people outside their community. They tend to be rude. But still they welcomed us inside their temple, and we appreciate that. I recommend to visit on Sunday around 11:00 am for the gospel.