Our church was founded in 1992 by the late Rev. L. H. Newsom and a band of baptized believers in Christ looking
for a place to practice their faith. On March 15, 1992, a group of Christian friends organize a church for the
purposes of worship and evangelistic ministry. The initial organizantion met at McKinley Theological Seminary in Jackson,
Mississippi. The vision began with five (5) members and five (5) others who gave witness to this gathering. The
membership was enhanced by the families of Mother Corine Williams, Mother Geneva Brown, and Brother and Sister Exneader Johnson.
On April 25, 1992, a Resolution was enacted for the official organization of Cornerstone. Present for the formalization
of the vision of Cornerstone were Rev. Jessie Redmond, president of Metropolitan Baptist Fellowship, six (6) other Jackson
area ministers, and seven (7) members of Cornerstone. Rev. L. H. Newsom was elected officially as the Pastor.
Pastor Newsom famous inspiring remarks were: "We are to be History Makers, Trailblazers and Soul Winners for Christ."
On May 3, 1992, Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church settled into our current location of 1118 Martin Luther King Jr.
Drive (the Building was formerly that of Ray's Chapel). And, as faith would have it, Radio station WONG 1150 out
of Canton, Mississippi would air our Sunday morning services at 9 a.m. Pastor Newsom's would start the foundation
but God sent his chariot to take him to his heavenly home before the year ended.
Rev. Lee Lewis served as assistant pastor with the aid of Rev. Roney Charleston and Rev. T.J. Caston of White Chapel
M.B. Church.
On October 25, 1992, Rev. Eugene Rivers became pastor for ten months. He served until August of 1993.
Rev. Gregory Smith carried on the service until he was called away. April 10, 1994, the members installed Rev. Willie
James Jones as the Pastor of Cornerstone M.B. Church.
Nevertheless, God had already blessed Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church with a shepherd to lead his flock.
He was there all the time, Brother Williams was a trustee from the beginning, later ordained as a Deacon and as a faithful
steward, bringing others to be elected as Pastor. In 1997, Rev. P. J. Williams, Sr. became Pastor of Cornerstone Missionary
Baptist Church on August 10th.
With each challenge we have encountered, we become stronger in our faith. We
invite you to become a part of the church today and a piece of its history tomorrow.
