Picture this. You stand before Cornerstone Church of Chicago. A place where history breathes and faith flourishes.
Cornerstone Church of Chicago isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to resilience. It’s a story of community. It’s a beacon of hope in a bustling city. It all began in the late 1990s. A group of visionaries dreamed of a regional church. Their first service was March 27 1999. Their first location was humble. A rented banquet space next to Rural King. Volunteers cleaned up after previous tenants. They swept away beer bottles and sticky floors.
The church moved several times. From a drive-thru grocery store to large pole barns. In 2000 Eddie Pullen became the first pastor. Before him lay leaders guided the congregation. The move to the pole barns was a real team effort. Church members painted and prayed. They covered the building’s surfaces with scripture and handwritten prayers. In 2002 Cornerstone held its first Trunk or Treat. By 2004 attendance reached 400.
In 2005 a West Frankfort campus launched. This marked the first time Cornerstone members met in two locations. Pastor Eddie Pullen left in 2007 to plant other churches. Mike Rose served as interim pastor. Michael Nave became the next lead pastor. In 2008 the church began offering two Sunday services. In 2009 Pastor Michael faced a cancer diagnosis. Despite this challenge Cornerstone celebrated its 10th anniversary. Attendance hit 1000 across both locations. Pastor Michael overcame his illness. He continued leading the growing church.
The church made bold moves. They attempted a campus in Carterville. That campus closed after a year. In 2012 they purchased a former Walmart building in Marion. Transforming a discount store into a house of worship required much work. In 2014 they moved into this spacious new building. Its location served their mission well.
The Johnston City campus became Redemption Church in 2016. That same year Cornerstone launched a Carbondale campus. This expansion meant Cornerstone was again a church in two locations.
Cornerstone Church of Chicago’s journey reflects a powerful faith. It’s a story of adaptation perseverance and growth. It’s a story still unfolding. A story you’re a part of today.