About Us:Church History

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A Journey of Faith: Standing Firm Through 78 Years of Trials and Triumphs

A Chronicle of Enduring Faith, Perseverance, and Community

The story of RMC Church is a tapestry woven with threads of Hope, Perseverance, and an

unwavering Faith that has carried its congregation through nearly eight decades of service to

The Lord. From its humble beginnings to its current stature as a beacon in the community,

RMC Church stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a group of devoted

individuals commit themselves to a vision larger than themselves. This is a journey marked by

trials and tribulations, yet illuminated by moments of triumph, growth, and profound

transformation.

The Genesis: Humble Beginnings

The year was 1947, a time of renewal and rebuilding in the wake of global conflict. It was then

that our founder Superintendent Perry Robinson received a vision from The Lord to start a

church on the Eastside of Lansing. Elder Robinson encountered his friend Mother Niece

Walker and told her about the “Vision” he received from The Lord. Mother Walker volunteered

her home as the place to begin their Faith Journey! In a modest home, a small group

assembled, bound by a shared conviction: to create a place where Faith could Flourish and

lives could be changed. These founding members, with little more than aspirations and an

unshakable Trust in The Lord, laid the cornerstone for what would become St. Paul Church of

God in Christ.

Resources were scarce, and challenges loomed on every side. Yet, the founders pressed on,

undeterred by the limitations of their circumstances. They gathered for Worship in borrowed

spaces, held prayer meetings in family homes, and raised funds through various means and

sacrificial giving. What they lacked in material wealth, they made up for with sincerity, unity,

and an abiding sense of purpose.

Faith Under Fire: Weathering the Storms

No great journey is without its share of adversity, and the early years of RMC Church were no

exception. Economic hardships, shifting cultural landscapes, and continued growth caused the

church to begin seeking a larger space to hold service. They discovered and rented a small

house in the 400 block of South Charles Street which was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Lacy

Hudson where they held regular church services as well as Sunday school. God blessed the

church with continued growth to where others might have seen obstacles, the members of St.

Paul saw opportunities to lean into their Faith. Pastor Robinson led the church to purchase a

small white house which had two plots in the 500 block of South Charles Street. The area

where the church was located was often referred to as “Shanty Town” and “Tobacco Road” by

those who considered themselves much better than those that lived and worshiped here. At

the time, the streets were dirt roads, and the neighborhood was dark with very few streetlights.

However, when other saints wanted to really enjoy The Lord, they would come out to shout

with us “in the mud.” St Paul Flourished, and, in the beginning, the church was simply known

as “#2.”

The church did abound, meeting daunting challenges, and of neighbors rallying together in

times of need, until 1975 when a devastating flood damaged the church's foundation. There

was a collective effort of the congregation—young and old, skilled and unskilled, that restored

the sanctuary and basement. These trials, rather than weakening the church, forged a deeper

sense of community and resilience.

Growth and Transformation: The Middle Years

The decades that followed were marked by both steady growth and dynamic change. As the

community around St. Paul Church evolved, so too did the church itself. New programs were

launched to address the changing needs of families, youth, and seniors. Sunday school

flourished, outreach initiatives took root, and the church became known for its hospitality and

generosity. During this period, St. Paul Church developed a reputation as a place where

people from all walks of life could find acceptance and support. The physical structure of the

church grew alongside its membership. Additions were made to the original building. Each

brick laid, each polished pew, spoke of the congregation’s shared commitment to building not

just a place of worship, but a home where Faith could be lived out daily.

Standing Firm Through Trials

Every generation faces its own set of challenges, and St. Paul was no different. Elder Perry

Robinson remained as the Pastor of St. Paul C.O.G.I.C. until he passed away in 1984. St. Paul

was without a Pastor, Superintendent, or Bishop for a period of about a year. In 1985, Bishop

Roger L. Jones was appointed bishop and was the interim pastor until in 1986 when Elder

William H. Lee was installed as pastor of St. Paul. During his tenure as pastor, Pastor Lee

initiated a change to honor the late Elder Perry Robinson. The name of St. Paul Church of God

in Christ was changed to Robinson Memorial Church of God in Christ in 1986 in memory of our

deceased founder and pastor, Elder Perry Robinson. Elder William H. Lee remained as pastor

until his passing in January 2018. The church went through a period of transition after the

passing of Pastor Lee. Bishop Samuel Duncan Jr. led RMC during the church’s time of

transition. On August 25, 2021, The Lord led Bishop Samuel Duncan Jr. to elevated one of the

church’s native sons to the position of pastor. Elder Michael A. West, the grandson of Mother

Necie Walker, become the third pastor in the history of our great church.

After hearing from The Lord, Pastor West instituted the Five Foundational Pillars of Ministry.

The RMC Family is now guided by our Five Foundational Pillars which are Love, Worship,

Teamwork, Education, and Investment. It is these Five Pillars which is the foundation of the

ministry which empowers RMC to be a Loving, Kind, and Caring Church performing ministry

under the direction of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Moments of Triumph: Celebrating Victories

Amidst the storms, RMC Church has celebrated many victories. Baptisms and weddings have

filled the sanctuary with joy. The establishment of scholarship funds and mentorship programs

has empowered young people to pursue their dreams. Anniversaries, such as the golden 50 th

year jubilee and now the approaching 80th year, have provided opportunities to reflect on the

church’s journey and give thanks for the countless lives transformed within its walls. Each

milestone is a reminder that God’s Faithfulness endures from generation to generation.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

As RMC Church approaches its 80th anniversary, the journey of faith continues. The world is

changing rapidly, presenting fresh challenges and unprecedented opportunities. Yet, the

lessons of the past 78 years remain: that Faith flourishes in community, that resilience is born

in adversity, and that Love—genuine and sacrificial—has The Power to transform lives.

The next chapter for RMC will be written by a new generation, building upon the foundation

laid by those who came before. Investments in technology, renewed focus on discipleship, and

a passion for social justice will guide the church into new terrains. Plans are underway for

expanded facilities, greater outreach, and even broader partnerships with other organizations

committed to serving the least, the last, and the lost.