The Lighthouse City of Refuge
1720 Old Hinton Rd
Princeton, NC
Meet Our Staff
Apostle
Malcolm Sowell
Apostle Malcolm DuBois Sowell Sr. was born in Johnston County, NC in 1971. He is the eldest of three children born to Dr. Mack and Mary Sowell of Selma NC. He received his primary education in the Johnston County Public Schools system, graduating from Smithfield Selma Senior High School in 1989. After high school, Malcolm attended St Augustine's University in Raleigh NC. Shortly after his freshman semester, he enlisted in the US Army in 1990. Malcolm served his country for 10 years where he received two Army Commendation Medals and several Army Achievement Awards for meritorious service during active duty. While in the Army, Malcolm also received Christ as his personal savior while on tour overseas in 1992. In September 1996 Malcolm preached his initial sermon and has been preaching for 30 years. He was also was a 15-year volunteer Evangelist for the NC prison system.
Apostle Malcolm earned his MBS in Biblical Studies from Safe Haven Interdenominational Bible Training Institute in 2024, and in 2026 he earned his Doctorate in Christian Counseling from the same institution.
Also in 2026, Apostle Malcolm co-founded
Unity In Christ Fellowship of Churches, Incorporated, an organization that promotes unity and the love of Jesus Christ; targeting mainly small ministries in North Carolina. Malcolm DuBois Sowell Sr loves people and loves to minister God's word. He is currently the senior leader of the church, Lighthouse City of Refuge, a ministry he and his wife, Dr. Marie Sowell planted in Goldsboro, NC in 2019. The biblical, practical truth is what he believes in, and lives to teach the word of God.
Tel: 252-406-0843
Lead Pastor
Dr. Marie Sowell
Pastor Dr. Marie Sowell, also affectionately known as "Lady M" is an anointed woman called by God, a fervent prayer warrior, and a spirit-filled worshipper. She is a native of Martin County, North Carolina, the wife of Apostle Malcolm Dubois Sowell Sr. , and First Lady of the Lighthouse City of Refuge in Goldsboro NC.
She's an advocate of creating and developing greatness in all people with a firm belief that through constant prayer, teaching, and the hearing of God's word, lives are changed. Dr. Marie pursued a degree in Sociology from Elizabeth State University.
In 1994, Lady M was ordained as an Evangelist, under the Leadership of Pastor Lester Andrews, Holy Church of Power, INC. Her dedication to the ministry, allowed her to maintain various offices. In 2003 she began her own outreach ministry called Lighthouse Outreach Ministries, in which she was able to help change many lives. She attended Faith Bible Institute and received her Doctorate in Theology in 2002.
Later In life, Lady Marie married the love of her life Apostle Malcolm DuBois Sowell Sr.
Standing on the word of God in 2019, they prayed, traveled, and birthed the ministry Lighthouse City of Refuge, in Goldsboro NC. As a leader with love for people, Lady M launched several inspirational hubs such as "Leading Ladies Ministries", and "In His Presence Women’s Ministry". One of the most striking characteristics of Pastor Marie Sowell is her desire to expose and reveal the best in others. She seeks to be an inspiration to all those around her and encourages them to live a fulfilled life. Pastor Sowell facilitates various conferences and workshops annually to assist diligently in the service of the Lord. Serving in a leadership capacity, Pastor Sowell birthed the Single & Marriage Ministry "Called As Wives,” currently at the Lighthouse City of Refuge. Her passion for the Marriage Ministry is birthed out of the intimate experiences encountered as a wife and First Lady. Pastor Sowell allows God's word to have full and final authority in her life. She lives each day devoted to being an example to the young and old. Her goal is to be relevant and transparent so that she may teach others how to accomplish their ultimate God-given purpose. Lady M operates in the same manner whether at home or church. She's sweet, loving, kind, and strives
to be "Real" always. In her private time of leisure, Lady Marie Sowell enjoys spending serene quality time with God in prayer and meditation. Her motto is "Trust God!” She enjoys spending quality time with family and takes great pride in her personal relationship with God, her role as a wife, mother of five children, and grandmother of seven beautiful grandchildren. Above all, her eternal goal and main purpose is to fulfill the will of God!
Tel: 919-648-3831
Bishop
Tonney Williams
Bishop Tonney was born February 8, 1960 in Johnston County. He graduated in 1979 from Smithfield-Selma Senior (SSS) High School in Smithfield, NC. He joined the United States Army in June 1979, serving until September 1992, transitioning from military service following a dedicated tenure as a Supply Staff Sergeant. On June 18, 1982 he married the love of his life, Maria Mitchell. To this Union four children were born, Tony, Jr, Katrina Renee, Cassandra Nicole, and Zachary Williams.
Bishop Tonney was called into the ministry in 2007, where he accepted God‘s calling upon his life. He started pastoring First Missionary Baptist Church in 2010, where he served faithfully until 2022. He was elevated to Bishop in 2020, and now serves at Lighthouse City of Refuge.
Bishop Tonney earned his associate's degree in Biblical Studies in 2026 from Safe Haven Interdenominational Bible Training Institute. He is currently obtaining his bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies from the same institution.
Bishop Tonney Williams loves Christ and strives to be Godlike each and every day of his life. His favorite bible verse is John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
.jpg)
Elder and Finance Secretary
Angela Brice
Elder Angela M. Brice and her husband Prophet James M. Brice have been married for 21 years. They have a beautiful daughter, Paige Brice and live in Raleigh, NC. They have been members at LCR since the inception of the church in April 2019.
Elder Brice was ordained on March 2023 and has held the position of Finance secretary since 2019. She is passionate about serving God and His people and bringing Glory to God.
She also has a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration degree from Elizabeth City State University Class of 1991. Along with an Associate of Arts Degree of Biblical Studies from Save Haven Interdenominational Bible College & Training Institute. She has been a salon owner in Raleigh, NC for nearly 30 years.
​
All praise belongs to God!
Elder and Pastors Aide
Anjanette Ramsey
Anjanette, resides in Goldsboro, NC. She is spiritually under Apostle Malcom Sowell and Dr. Marie Sowell at Lighthouse City of Refuge, Goldsboro NC serving as a member for 7 years. She accepted the call to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ on February 05, 2022. Anjanette was later ordained as an Elder on March 18, 2023. She attended Safe Haven Bible College of Zebulon, NC where she earned her Master's Degree in Biblical Studies.
She is truly a woman of God who is after God's own heart.
Deacon
Nathan Chance
Deacon Nathan Chance moved to Martin County from New Jersey after he retired. He's happily married to Mrs. Vivian Chance for about 5 years, They both decided to join LCR 3 years ago. Decon Chance's dedication has proven to be top-notch. He travels over an hour to church and has shown his dedication to God in servicing His people. Overall, He's thankful to God that he can serve in this capacity.
