Our Story

The Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church began as Hickory Hill Baptist Church (Hickory Hill Colored Baptist Church as reflected in the 1903 deed), so named because of the large hickory tree that stood near the church. The church located on Greene Street, near what was once the site of the old 5th Street Fire Station, in an area considered downtown Greenville. Worship services were held the third Sunday of each month led by Rev. Ruffin Carrol.

In 1903, under the pastorate of Rev. G.W. Bucklum, the church moved to Clark Street, near the northwest corner of 14th Street, in the "New Town" area of Greenville. At that time, Charles Henryham, Edward Carr, and Ted Jenkins were appointed as Deacons; and Violet Henryham, Harriet Jackson, and Sarah Dudley were appointed as Deaconesses.

Years later, Rev. Ike Tillet was called to pastor Hickory Hill. On Saturday night before the 4th Sunday of April 1923, Hickory Hill Baptist Church burned to the ground. The members were permitted to hold worship services in the Knight of Gideon Hall on 14th Street.

Under the leadership of Rev. W. H. Bryant, the church did not mourn the loss of their property for long because they were able to make a $3000 purchase of real estate located on the southeast corner of Railroad Street and 13th Street. Rev. Bryant laid the foundation before he resigned in 1924 and the name of the church was changed to Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church.

In July 2016, Rev. Dr. Stephen Greene Howard was called to serve as Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church. He began his Pastorate on September 1, 2016. Under his Pastorate, the church is intentional in being a discipleship church with local, national, and global mission initiatives. Several commissions were established to include the Prayer Commission, Stewardship Commission, Strategic Planning, Heritage and the Discipleship Commission. A 7:30 am worship service was established and implemented!

Down through the decades, Almighty God granted immeasurable grace to and through our ministry's founding and kingdom building. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we worshipped outside and provided an online church experience. God’s grace and mercy were sufficient.

Our kingdom building continued with a special mission project - The Children’s Hunger Fund, whereas, we ministered to more than 175 children. The CMBC Food Bank Ministry was established in 2023, an average of 1,000 persons served monthly; Cornerstone continues to bless local families with an onsite Food Pantry in times of emergencies. The church partners with Lakeforest Elementary school to ensure students have needed essentials and winter accessories yearly. To God be the glory for the things he has done.