Ever wondered how a Kensington ministry grew into a cornerstone of the community? Cornerstone Community Church has been serving the Kensington neighborhood for over 40 years. It all began with a shared love for Christianity and community development.
Cornerstone’s story began in 1980. Pastor Bill Curry and students from The Philadelphia College of Bible started a Thursday night ministry for teens. It took place at the Kensington Neighborhood House. Many teens enjoyed games, activities, and learned God’s Word. Teen Club still continues to serve young people on Thursday nights.
In 1987, a children’s ministry called Kids Club started. Bill and PCB students organized it on Tuesdays for children ages 5 to 12. The children loved singing, games, Bible lessons and refreshments. Kids Club still meets on Tuesday nights. Thousands of children and teenagers have benefitted from Kids Club and Teen Club over the years.
Joe and Laurie Darrow moved into Kensington in 1988. They began serving the Kensington community. Joe became the director of this inner city ministry. Joe worked to obtain a new building called the Hewitt Center. It enabled the youth ministry to expand considerably. The Darrows have served in Kensington for 35 years.
In 1994, Andy and Shannon Schultz moved into Kensington. They had served with Kids Club as volunteers. Now they devoted their full-time energies to youth ministry. They have served full-time with inner-city youth for almost 30 years.
Also in 1994, the ministry was given a church building. Allegheny Avenue Baptist Church was located at the corner of Frankford and Allegheny Avenues. The pastor of Allegheny Avenue Baptist Church had helped Bill Curry start Teen Club in 1980. He was called to become a missionary in Nicaragua. Allegheny Avenue Baptist Church had its own rich history of ministry in the community since 1883.
Having obtained a church building, Cornerstone Community Church was planted. Sunday services and Bible studies began. Pastor Joe Darrow directed the ministry. Pastor David Grainge did the preaching. The youth ministries grew even more with this larger building.
Extensive renovations were done over the next 10 years. The building had deteriorated significantly. God provided the funds and volunteers to do a dramatic rehab. The church was excited to have a beautiful baptismal pool and its first baptisms. The first wedding was Pastor Bill and Patsy Curry in 1995.
The ministry grew rapidly. In 1996, Family Night started on the first Tuesday of each month. Family Night serves many families in the community and still continues to this day. In 1997, the first Block Party was organized. It was a creative way to bless and reach the community. Today the annual Block Party continues with well over 1000 participants.
In 1998, a large lot next to the church was purchased. An amazing playground and picnic grove were built. God gave them a wonderful place to play and fellowship.
In 2002, Cornerstone welcomed its first official members. In 2004, Bill Curry became the lead pastor. The church was rapidly growing. More people joined the staff and new ministries were started.
Cornerstone’s programs aim to help youth have their spiritual needs met. They also want to help them succeed in life. Adults who participated in Cornerstone’s programs as kids now have their children in the programs.
Cornerstone Community Church stands as a testament to faith, hope, and love. It is a place where all are welcome to gather, grow, and go out into the world to make a difference. A true cornerstone of Kensington.