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Cornerstone Bible Church

180 Nail Drive
770-957-2070

Cornerstone Bible Church was started on October 16, 1994 , with a group of members from the New Friends Bible Church in Morrow, under the direction of Pastor David Riley. The church began meeting in the beautiful facilities of Oakland Elementary School, McDonough, GA , on Highway 81.

At a meeting of the congregation in January 1996, plans and dreams for the future were discussed. It was decided that a land fund should be started to prepare for the time when we would be able to build our own church facility.

As the next step, an extensive search for land was undertaken. Sites all over Henry County were explored as we prayed for God's direction. Through the efforts of Mr. Lewis Welch and Dr. Richard Binkney, we became aware that Harold and Thelma Stamey had land near the Oakland School that they would consider selling, though they had not put it on the market.

As we met with the Stameys to discuss a possible purchase it was evident that God was at work in this matter. The Stameys sensed that God had had a hand in directing them to hold this property until this very time so that there could be a church in their neighborhood. And the leadership of the church was impressed with the beauty and location of the 10 acre site on Nail Drive , only hundreds of feet from the present meeting place. We too sensed that God was leading us in this direction.

Over the next few months, the congregation prayed over this matter, and sensing God's leading, we began the lengthy process of seeking county zoning approval, securing soil testing, health department approval, surveying, and financing.

Several church families responded in a generous way by providing more than $30,000 in immediate contributions. The Church of God General Conference Church Builders League , consisting of 700 families scattered across the United States , provided over $14,000 as a gift to help with the purchase.

On September 23, 1996 , the closing took place on the property, with Harold and Thelma Stamey passing title to the property to Cornerstone Bible Church of God.

In the meantime, the congregation began meeting in the Windy Hill Recreational facilities since the Henry County Board of Education had placed a time limit on how long a church could rent facilities from the School District .
In 1997, plans were made to start construction on a permanent church building. A building fund was started and the congregation generously raised over $50,000 toward this project. An 8,000 square foot building was constructed which was dedicated on May 31, 1998 with 215 people present.

As the congregation continued to grow, it became apparent that additional space would be needed to meet the needs of the congregation. In late 2001, discussions intensified and proposed plans were drafted. On May 5, 2002 , the congregation approved plans to proceed with an 11,000 square foot building with a gymnasium and classrooms. Construction began and the building was completed in 2003.

Founding pastor, Dave Riley, completed his work at the church in the fall of 2004 and after completing a pastoral search, Steve Taylor was selected by the congregation to serve as senior pastor.

Cornerstone Bible Church is affiliated with the Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith, headquartered near Atlanta, GA. The "Church of God" name is based on the Apostle Paul’s salutation to the Church of God in Corinth. The "Abrahamic Faith" subtitle is to distinguish us from the many other denominations which call themselves the Church of God. Abraham was the recipient of many of God’s promises and a man of faith, and certainly an example for all of us.


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