•		The 40th Day Blessing Offering
•		The Birthday Celebration Offering

The GENESIS GROUP pins, were designed to commemorate the struggle and God-given victory of the founding members. November 1984, marked the first observance of the PASTOR'S APPRECIATION CELEBRATION.

Nineteen hundred and eighty-five brought the establishment of the Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Institute. The first church anniversary was celebrated. The tape ministry began at this time, also. Rev. Wilson presented the first concept of the new church building to the congregation.

In 1986, Rev. Wilson unveiled the God-given vision of future development plans, which included a church, a school, and a hospital. Negotiations began with the City of Cincinnati to purchase the land located at Montgomery Road and Kennedy Avenue (Kennedy Heights).

In 1987, architectural plans were drawn up and the bank agreed to a loan commitment. The Church By-laws and Regulations were also established.

On May 1, 1988, at 4:00 PM, the groundbreaking ceremony took place. In attendance were various area churches, the Kennedy Heights Community Council, City of Cincinnati Council members, friends and family. Shortly thereafter, the property was staked and the construction began. August of 1988, the Dedication Committee was formed for the official dedication ceremonies.

On February 5, 1989, at 9:00 AM, the congregation met at the Reading Road site. Rev. Wilson opened the services, which included prayer, testimony and thanksgiving. After dismissal, a motorcade was formed and a processional began from the old church (Reading Road) to the new church. Upon arrival, Rev. Wilson led the congregation in prayer, as they entered into the sanctuary. May 7, 1989, Cornerstone had its first Baptisms in the new building. Eight persons were baptized that day. September, 1989 marked the first wedding performed in the new sanctuary. Brother Adrian Wilcox and Sister Jilonda Johnson, were united in holy matrimony. 1989 marked the beginning of the New Members Orientation classes, Leadership classes for men, and the debut of the Contemporary and Youth choirs. Also, in 1989, two Deacons-in-Training were chosen. These men were Brother Duane Wilcox and Brother Edward Jackson.

In April or 1990, Cornerstone saw the establishment of the Youth Ministry Committee, the Welcome Committee and the appointment of three new Trustees. The position of the Assistant Church Clerk was established. Also in 1990, Cornerstone began contributing to the support of the Caring Place, a community-based benevolence organization.

In January of 1991, the ordination services for the new Deacons took place. The Youth Ministry Committee had its first outreach seminar, and in May, the 40th day Celebration began focusing on African American heritage.

In August of 1992, we saw the establishment of a Singles' Ministry and a Married Couples Ministry. We saw an overwhelming success of the Youth Ministry's FRIEND'S DAY, where a member was asked to bring a friend to fellowship with Cornerstone. In 1992, there also was the implementation of the Church Trouble Fund (to assist membership). We also saw the development of the Membership Orientation and Information Manual

In March of 1993, we saw Cornerstone's first Revival Services. The speakers were Rev. Thomas Farrell, Pastor, New Vision Missionary Baptist Church (then Pastor of 1st Baptist Church of Walnut Hills), and the Rev. James Carter of Second Baptist church of Madisonville. The Outreach Development Ministry was formed to aid our members in having a smooth transition for the LADD facility next door. We also saw the initiation of a Girl Scout troop and a Cub Scout pack. Pastor Wilson also instituted several committees in 1993. These committees were:

•		The Tenth Year Anniversary Committee
•		The Effective Church Planning Committee
•		The Building Committee
•		The Fellowship Enhancement Committee

The year 1994 marked the Church's Tenth year anniversary. The anniversary was celebrated all year long. Rev. Joey Ferguson joined the ministerial staff. The pictorial church directory was developed. The play, "Presentation of the Brides" was performed. In conjunction with the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati, a tutoring program for school-aged youth was established at Cornerstone. This program was titled CENTERS FOR EXCELLENCE.

The year 1995 saw continued growth at Cornerstone. In this year we had two members called to the ministry. These were Brother Joseph Dawson and Brother Dennis Cooke. Pastor Wilson established the Minister's Round-table meetings. Foundational planning for the men of Cornerstone was implemented. The "Pennies from Heaven" campaign was started by the Youth Ministry Committee. Also in 1995, we saw the beginning of Wednesday Night Prayer Services.

Nineteen Hundred and ninety-six, Cornerstone saw the establishment of the Male Chorus. To serve the needs of the youth of the community, Rev. Wilson proposed the idea of a VIRTUAL COMMUNITY CENTER. At this time, it was decided that the churches and schools already in existence in the area could accommodate these efforts until a permanent community center could be established. As a result of this plan, the J.O.Y. program was started. J.O.Y. Stands for Joining Our Youth.

In 1997, Deacon Edward Jackson accepted God's calling into the ministry. In November of 1997, two Deacons-In-Training were chosen. These men were Brother Alvin Chaney and Brother Daryl Elliott, Sr.

The first Sunday in January 1998 saw Brothers Chaney and Elliott, joining Deacons Burch and Wilcox in the Devotional Services. Pastor Wilson initiated the Grandmother's Auxiliary. The Minister's Wives formed an extended ministry with the emphasis on compassion. The first new building expansion plans and proposal was presented to the Church by the Trustees. A new building pledge drive was implemented in April of this year. Groundbreaking for the new facility was held on September 27th. In October, a church body enrichment Retreat was held.

In 1999, the growth of Cornerstone continued with new members joining and on-going construction of the new facility. On March 31st, the Ordination Services for the Deacons-In-Training, Brothers Chaney and Elliott took place.

On July 19, 2000, Ordination services were held for Minister Edward Jackson. The moderator of the services was Rev. Kazava Smith, Pastor of Corinthian Baptist Church. Minister Jackson was questioned by a panel of ordained ministers, including our own, Rev. Ferguson, Rev. Bray, Pastor Earl Wagner, Rev. Mabry, Rev. Lynch III, Rev. Flynn, and Pastor Joseph Williams. Also in 2000, Cornerstone saw the establishment of the Men's Ministry, the Watchmen of Cornerstone. August 2000 saw the new building completed.

October 14, 2000, Rev. Wilson's vision for the existing and new ministries for Cornerstone were established. He called this U.M.P.H. The letters stand for UNITY MOTIVATED by PURE HEARTS. The Pastor called attention to Back to Basics, with an emphasis on commitment, excellence, willing spirit and evangelism. In addition to the basics are educational ministries, help, worship arts, Christian family, outreach, and focus group ministries.

January 2001, 4:00 PM, the official dedication services for the new building took place. Our guest speaker for this auspicious occasion was Pastor N. Spencer Glover of the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. In attendance: the Honorable Mayor of the City of Cincinnati, Charlie Luken, who bestowed upon our Pastor the key to the city and a proclamation; the Vice Mayor, Minnette Cooper, Council member Alicia Reece, Rev. Thomas Farrell, Pastor of New Vision Missionary Baptist Church, Rev, and Mrs. Clarence Glover, from the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Kazava Smith, of the Corinthian Baptist Church, Rev. Edward Jackson, Interim Pastor, First Baptist of Kennedy Heights, Rev. Vickie Prescott from All Saints Episcopal Church, Rev. Douglas Dean, Pastor of the Pleasant Ridge United Methodist Church, Rev. Robert Keifer, Pastor of the Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Carol Chamberlain, Director of the J.O.Y. program, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Byndon, Mrs. Susan Meadows and the Corinthian Baptist Church Praise Dancers and a host of family and friends.

On April 28, 2001, the Health and Wellness Expo was held. It was a tremendous success. Sisters Eileen Lackey, Anne Smith and Angel Walker officiated over this health educational event. A portion of the Expo was broadcast live on WCVG-1320AM, hosted by Avery Corbin and J. J. Johnson. Pastor Wilson was interviewed by Avery Corbin. This was made possible by the generosity of Avery Corbin, J. J. Johnson and WCVG.

In May of 2001 the Watchmen of Cornerstone honored all the mothers, women and young ladies of the church, with a delicious feast on Mother's Day. In June of 2001, Sister Daphne Chaney chaired the Father's Day tribute along with the women and children of Cornerstone. All of the men were KING for a day. September 22, 2001 marked the first Wedding Reception to be held in the new facility following the matrimonial ceremony of Brother Jerome Anderson and Sister Henrietta (Rita) Burch. Two Thousand and One saw continued growth with the debut of the Cornerstone Praise Dancers, the Cornerstone Seeds of Promise. Sister Brenda Brown is the instructor and is assisted by Sister Darlene Dawson. The dancers are Keturah Tatum, Kristian Tatum, Tamara Brown, Jada Brown, D'Asia Leathers, Camisha Horn, LaShonda Jones, Jessica Boggan, Barbara Boggan, Devon Pope, Alyse Titus, and Akili Barnes.

January 2002 saw the establishment of computer classes. Brothers Tracy Pope and Keith Edwards instruct the classes.

Historical Highlights provided by Sister Eleanore Calloway, Cornerstone Church Historian.