ABOUT US
ABOUT US
At Cornerstone we believe that church is more than attending a weekly service. We want to connect you with others that enjoy similar activities and who desire to work together to make an impact on our community. We believe relationships are an important part in your walk with God.
We are called to be servant leaders in His Kingdom; to be empowered to serve greatly, so that we can lead greatly. Our teams include usher/greeters, media, worship, children’s church, music and so many more. If you feel in your heart a desire to serve in any area our leaders will equip you to feel knowledgeable and comfortable in whatever role you serve on your team.
Small Groups and Bible Studies At Cornerstone allow you to connect with other people who share your same interests and can help grow with you towards being your best you. Whether you’re working through a Bible study or sharing a common interest, Small Groups are where you’ll build lifetime relationships.
Cornerstone Baptist Church seeks to win the lost and empower believers to be committed witnesses for Christ.
Our vision is for Cornerstone to be a “Place to Grow” in both faith and spirit for all Christians to get to know, enjoy, follow and disciple others to Jesus Christ.
G – It is our vision to GROW in our understanding of God through biblical teaching, preaching, worship, praise and service. “He said to them, “Follow me, and I will turn you into fishers of people.” Matt. 4:19
R – It is our vision to REACH God’s people who do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ, as well as the broken and weary within the church and local community. ”I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:7
O – It is our goal to ORGANIZE in a unified manner to model ourselves after Jesus Christ and to show the world that we are true Believers. “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.” 1 Cor. 14:33
W – We seek to increase our WISDOM and knowledge of God so that we may go out and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. ”Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matt. 7:24
Cornerstone has a strong sense of its history, which has provided a solid foundation for the church today and in the future. We periodically take a look back to rediscover how the church came into being, what its early ministry was like, and how it has grown and changed over the years.
Spiritually, Cornerstone is a “Place to Grow”. We are a people who have a heart for God and seek to help each other have been transformed by the truth and grace of God. While we are still a far from perfect people, we seek to help each other live according to the truth that God has given us in His Word. In so doing, it is our deepest desire to fulfill our ultimate purpose – bringing glory to God
Denominationally, we are a Baptist church. That means that we are in friendly cooperation with other Baptist churches.
Theologically, we are a Bible-believing church. We believe that God’s Word is the only true and trustworthy guide for all areas of life. From the Bible, we derive our principles for living.
Cornerstone is truly a multi-generational church. We refer to ourselves as the 4G – four generations – church; attracting people from all walks of life and serving the community in which we are located. We offer opportunities for you to get involved and to serve God and man.
Historically, we are one of the oldest churches in New York City. Established in 1917 with a few members, our history goes back to WWI. Today, we have grown to serve over 1500 members. Our church is best known for its strong teaching ministry, vibrant worship, life-building children and youth departments, emphasis on personal integrity, and community service. Our understanding and love of God and for one other through God-inspired teaching by our Pastor, praise and worship by our choirs and giving of our gifts, talents through ministry and mission engagement and support of our ministers, church leaders and staff.
In the year 1917, in the borough of Brooklyn, New York, as bombs and bullets were being hurled across the continent of Europe, our Heavenly Father was planting seeds of courage in the hearts and minds of some Christian soldiers that were determined to live for Christ.
Led by the Holy Spirit, a small group went from home to home and held their first meeting at 933 DeKalb Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, in the home of Mrs. M. Freeman. This group continued to worship together and on September 10,1917, the Cornerstone Baptist Church was organized and dedicated to the Service of God. The Reverend William H. Rodman was the founder and first Pastor. On May 3, 1920, a meeting was held to organize this body into a permanent church.
The six Baptist Churches which formed the Recognition Council, officially recognized Cornerstone Baptist Church on June 9, 1920, by holding a public service. The financial offering for this service was five dollars.
The Reverend Rodman was called from labor to reward in February, 1921. Later that same year Reverend A. R. Artis was called to pastor Cornerstone. He served until May, 1922. The Reverend J. J. Jenkins became pastor later in 1922 and served until 1925. He was followed by the Reverend J. R. Williams, who passed away on June 16,1929. The Reverend Thomas Willis Fentress was then called to pastor. Under his pastorate the church moved to 688 DeKalb Avenue, and in 1932 Cornerstone moved to its first church edifice at Gates Avenue and Irving Place. The word spread of a place where “Welcome and Worship Are Warm” and grew to be one of Brooklyn’s largest congregations.
During the twelve years of Reverend Fentress’ ministry, many strong soldiers began to emerge. . . Deacon Cyril A. Davis, Deacon Allen Jordan who served as both deacon and trustee, Deacons William Holley, Conrade Scott, Mrs. Carrie E. Moore, Mrs. Mary N. Barnett and others.
In 1941, the Reverend Fentress was called to rest from his labor. We thank God for his life and service.
On April 1, 1944, the Reverend Dr. Sandy Frederick Ray who had pastored three churches and was pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio, was called to Cornerstone. The Cornerstone congregation had grown so large the church edifice at Gates Avenue and Irving Place could no longer accommodate us.
On December 28, 1944, a contract was signed for the Lewis Avenue Congregational Church Parish which would accommodate our parishioners. The purchase price was $29,000.00 and renovation cost was $28,000.00. On June 10, 1945, the march from the old church to the new took place under “SHOWER OF BLESSINGS.” Dr. Milton K. Curry, Sr. preached the first sermon in the new edifice.
During the thirty-five year ministry of Dr. Ray new buildings were purchased and erected to house our church office and the pastor’s study. The church parsonage at 1281 President Street was purchased in 1956. The Cornerstone Educational Center, 289 Lewis Avenue (now Dr. Sandy F. Ray Boulevard) was completed, dedicated and opened to the public May 29, 1966. The Reverend Dr. Sandy Frederick Ray fell asleep on April 11, 1979.
During the period from May, 1979 to November, 1981, the Reverend Henry G. Scott, Assistant to Dr. Ray, served with distinction as Minister-In-Charge.
On November 14, 1981, the Cornerstone Baptist Church Family held an election and unanimously elected the Reverend Dr. Harry Starks Wright, a Pastor, Dean and College President, to the Pastorate of Cornerstone Baptist Church. He is our seventh pastor.
In March, 1982, Dr. Wright officially began his ministry at Cornerstone. God has given him the message of love, not only to speak it, but to live it. Following a Pre-Installation Luncheon at the Waldorf Astoria on July 24, 1982, Dr. Wright was installed as Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church by the Reverend Dr. Gardner C. Taylor, Senior Pastor, Concord Baptist Church of Christ, on Sunday, July 25, 1982.
There is no doubt in our minds, Dr. Wright was sent by God to take hold of the spiritual baton passed on to him to continue this Gospel Journey of Joy. As we journey through this 21st century, we look back in admiration and appreciation to the Cornerstone pioneers who paved the way for us to better serve the present age and to be “A Witness For Christ.”
On August 3, 2003, our beloved Pastor Harry S. Wright retired. His successor, The Revered Lawrence Aker took the reins and presently serves as Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church.
The Holy Bible is the Word of God – originally given by God, divinely inspired, infallible, entirely trustworthy, and the only supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. (II Timothy 3:16)
The one true God externally exists, manifest in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Mark 12:29, Matthew 28:19, Deuteronomy 6:4)
Jesus Christ- God manifest in the flesh, His virgin birth, His sinless human life, His divine miracles, His bodily resurrection, His ascension, His mediatory work and His personal return in power and glory. (John 1:14, Luke 1:26-38, Hebrews 4:15, John 2:11, Luke 24:39, John 1:29, Acts 1:9-11)
The fall of man and his need for Redemption. (Genesis 1:26-31, 3:1-7, Romans 3:23-24)
The Salvation of the lost and sinful man, apart from works, through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ. (Titus 3:5-7, Romans 3:28)
Baptism in water by immersion. (Matthew 28:19, Colossians 2:12)
The fullness of the Holy Spirit and perpetuity of spiritual gifts. (Luke 24:49, Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-46, Hebrews 13:8, I Corinthians 12:7-11)
We believe in the participation in the Lord’s Supper through receiving the communion elements and all they represent. (Luke 22:19, I Corinthians 11:23-26)
Right living, giving, and loving others are a vital part of worship. (Hebrews 12:14, Proverbs 3:9, Malachi 3:8-10, Luke 6:38, Hebrews 7:8, Matthew 22:36-40; 23:23)
The Resurrection of both the saved and the lost. The saved unto the resurrection of life, and the lost unto the resurrection of damnation. (Luke 16:19-31, Mark 16:16, Revelation 20:11-15)
Deacon Dennis Hinson
Chairman of the Deacon‘s Ministry
First Lady Cynthia Aker
Director the Women’s Ministry
Reverend Jenal L. Hardaway
Minister of Congregational Life
James S. Geddie
Office Manager
Frances Harris
Public Health Ministry