Cornerstone History
The Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church was founded on April 18, 1997 with 15 committed chartered members and the Reverend Louis F. Grandberry as pastor. From the inception of Cornerstone, the Church has been under the unction and direction of the Holy Spirit. In the beginning, there were several obstacles the Church had to overcome. In turn, several goals had been set prior to the Church’s inaugural Worship Service. One by one, God began to open doors and provide ministry opportunities. In due time and with much prayer, 1407 W. Madison Street became the home for the Cornerstone family.
While at this location, the Church family pulled together and made it a Church of love and true dedication to our Lord and Savior. The Church grew both spiritually and numerically by trusting in God. In November 2000, Pastor Louis Grandberry was moved by God to lead the Peoples Missionary Baptist Church. We found ourselves without a leader. We were blessed to have Reverend Rufus Buchanan for an interim pastor until April 13, 2001.
As the pulpit committee continued to look and ask the Lord to send us a leader, He sent Reverend Gary B. Woods Sr. Under Pastor Woods direction, the Church was elevated to another level. In June 2001, we moved into our current building. In June 2005, the Church was faced with more trials and tribulations. Our leader of 5 years departed. The Church prayed and fasted that the Lord would send us another leader, “A man after God’s own heart.”
In April 2006 the Lord sent Reverend Scottie L. Aaron. Under the direction of Pastor Aaron, Cornerstone continued to grow and flourish; a Baptism Pool and new lettering to the Church van was accomplished.
In April 2012, the Church was once again at a crossroad when Pastor Aaron was called to the Providence Baptist Church. Upon his departure, the Church quickly formed a transition team to ensure the operations of the Church would continue and the Church would be in continual prayer. Being led by the Holy Spirit, in June 2012, Cornerstone extended the call to Reverend Bobbie L. Garrett, Jr. Since his installation, the Church has thrived economically, socially, but most of all spiritually. Under his direction, several new ministries have begun and old ministries have been fortified.
The Cornerstone Church family has always listened to the voice of God and followed His direction. We come this far by faith and we know He will continue to lead us to greater heights.
