The journey began on January 13, 1998. Pastor Lawson called a meeting at his home to discuss the leadership needed to go forward. There were 11 present who were ready to put on the whole armor of God and to go out into the vineyard and work. Those present were appointed to become members of the Contact Support Team that would provide assistance to the Pastor and other followers.

On January 18, 1998, a few followers called Pastor Lawson to ask him where he planned to worship on that Sunday morning. He informed them that he planned to worship at his home. That day would become the first Sunday worship. Thirteen followers were present, along with his family members, to have worship service. The powerful sermon topic for that Sunday was “Give it to Jesus” (Matthew 14:13-21).

Seven days later, a lease agreement was signed with Christian Brothers Funeral Home, to acquire use of their chapel to hold our second worship service for the Lord. There were 98 followers present for that worship service. Also on that date, Pastor Lawson revealed the name for our Church that the Lord had laid on his heart, “Cornerstone Community Baptist Church.” For our third worship service, there were 160 present who became the charter members for the new church.

1999 was a rewarding year for Cornerstone. The following blessings were realized:

• Eight acres of land were purchased
• ACME Architects designed the new Church building
• Additional ministries were added
• Additional land was purchased (now totaling 10 acres)

Additional ministries were started and officers appointed by the Pastor in 2000. The ministries and officers included: Minister of Music, Senior Mission, and chairpersons for the Deacons and Mission ministries.

In the year of 2000, a contract was signed with the architects to build the new Church and the construction process began.

Just three miles away, Cornerstone made another transition before our final arrival to our new home. On Sunday, January 7, 2001 Elder Emmanuel Jackson, and the congregation of New Jerusalem Seventh-Day Adventist Church welcomed Pastor Lawson and Cornerstone Community Baptist Church Family to hold our services in their facility until the new Church home was complete.

Spring and summer 2001 – Seeing God at work, watching our building go up.

“Faith, the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

Sunday, December 23, 2001, was our official entrance day. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held after which we entered our new house of worship. Our Pastor, Reverend W.J. Lawson, Sr., had the honor of speaking for this wonderful occasion