History

First incorporated in February 1888, First Presbyterian Church of Minot had a very long history. Founded on the original principles of the traditional Presbyterian Church, the church thrived. The church has been widely recognized as one of the largest and community-focused Presbyterian churches in North Dakota.

During the historic 2011 flood of Minot, the church solidified its place in the community as one that is here for the community. As the sole church in Minot fortunate enough to have a "cook trailer," the church cooked and served over 35,000 meals to flood victims, workers, and anyone else that needed it. Many of our members were struck by the flood; however, they were the first ones in line to volunteer to help the community--that is what we're all about!

In 1984, First Presbyterian Church of Minot joined the newly formed Presbyterian Church USA (PC (USA)) mainline denomination. The PC (USA)'s theological stances made some unexpected turns and in 2012, the session of First Presbyterian Church of Minot decided, that it was prudent to start prayerfully considering alternative Presbyterian denominations. Not everyone was in favor of leaving the PC (USA), however the majority were in favor. After a lengthy time of discernment and work with the Administrative Commission of the Presbytery of the Northern Plains an agreement was worked out to separate the two groups who were in schism. On October 25, 2014, the majority group (Cornerstone Presbyterian Church) was officially released from the PC (USA) denomination and on October 26, 2014, became a member of The Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO) denomination with a new name: Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. The process to be released from the PC (USA) was an extremely difficult and often challenging phase of the church's history. 

Today, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church is thriving!  Our mission remains the same: to share the love of Jesus Christ with our community, state, country, and world.