Cornerstone's History

Building a Foundation of Faith and Community

Timeline

Over the years our church has worshipped in various locations. One of Cornerstone’s values is that the church is a family not a building. Whether in a gym, a community center, a homeschool assistance office or a theater, the Cornerstone Church family remains committed to faith and family growth in order to advance the Gospel locally and globally.

September 2001

First Service

First public worship service at the Marion Community Center.

March 2002

EFCA Recognization

Cornerstone Church officially recognized by the Evangelical Free Church of America.

September 2002

First Lead Pastor

Pastor Chris Bozung serves as lead pastor until the Spring of 2009.

Summer 2010

Second/Current Lead Pastor

Pastor Matt Proctor called to be Cornerstone’s 2nd Lead Pastor.

Fall 2013

Blairs Ferry Building

The 925 Blairs Ferry Building is obtained (current location). 

Spring 2019

Pastor Gary Hoobler called to serve.

Gary Hoobler comes on as an associate pastor.

Spring 2022

Anamosa Church Plant begins

Now called Risen Hope Church.

Summer 2023

Cornerstone calls a church planter for Risen Hope

Ken Sidey comes on board to give leadership to Risen Hope.

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Sunday Worship begins at 9:25 AM in-person and online

Dress however you’d like. Jeans, ties, and flip flops are all welcome. As you feel comfortable, please join us in the singing and reading of Scripture.

Our Sunday worship service is the focal point and highlight of the week. We meet Sunday mornings at 9:25 a.m to adore the God of the Gospel through the Word preached, the receiving of the LORD’s supper (weekly), and with offerings of prayers, praise, and financial gifts. Join us as we intentionally humble ourselves before God, acknowledging His greatness.

Nursery is provided for the entire service for children 3 years of age and younger, and children’s church is available for children 4 years through-kindergarten (children’s church kids start in the corporate worship service and are dismissed about half-way into the service).

Though we broadcast a YouTube Live service each Sunday, we strongly believe the best place to grow as a Christian and to learn about Christianity is to be present and active in a local church family each Sunday; the online service is to minister to those with current health concerns for themselves and loved ones.

Biblical Instruction (A.K.A. Sunday School) for all ages begins at 11:00 AM. Parents are welcome to join their kids classes in order to get to know the teachers and see how we instruct little ones about Jesus.

Learn about Cornerstone Church’s beliefs about Jesus, the Church, theology and more can be found here.

Attending Cornerstone Church is a unique and wonderful experience. Our smaller community of around 100-150 attendees on Sunday creates an intimate, family-like atmosphere. We welcome all generations and mean it when we say we’re multi-generational. Our church members genuinely care for each other and strive to make everyone feel included. We’re conveniently located just down Blairs Ferry from Thomas Park in Marion, with a relaxed atmosphere that makes you feel at home.

New to Cornerstone? Everything to help you get ready for your first visit is right here.

When you walk through the doors of Cornerstone, you can expect to find a body of believers gathered for the purpose of making a heart connection with the Lord. Though we meet in a warehouse, we desire to continue with historic Christianity’s purpose for the gathered church:

1) To hear God’s most holy Word.

2) To set forth His most worthy praise.

You will discover that everything from the preaching, to our giving of tithes and offerings, to the music is an act of worship. You will be challenged through verse by verse Bible teaching for your everyday life. You will hear songs that reflect a blend of the rich tradition of the hymns and heartfelt praises of contemporary worship songs. Typically, we celebrate the Lord’s Supper together on the third Sunday of each month.

Other frequently asked questions:

What will my kids do?
We have child care for the entire service for infants through 3 years of age. We love having older kids join us in the sanctuary for singing and the first half of the service. Then, we have a children’s church for kids 4 years of age through kindergarten, but if you desire older kids to attend children’s church so you can focus on the sermon, feel free to send them too. At 11AM, we have classes for all ages of kids and adults.

When should I be there?
The Morning Worship service starts at 9:25 am Sunday mornings. It’s wise to arrive 5-10 minutes before start times to grab a cup of coffee and find your way to our sanctuary.

What should I wear?
Come as you are and you’ll fit right in. Dress generally ranges from t-shirts and jeans to jackets and ties; it’s up to you.

Which musical style is reflected in the service?
We have a band on stage that leads the congregation in singing a creative blend of classic hymns and contemporary worship.

How do we get there?
Cornerstone meets at 925 Blairs Ferry Road. We are located next to Metro Transmission and across the street from Q-Dogs BBQ. Take the Lyons Lane frontage road to gain access to our parking lot. 

Click HERE for our online Church Calendar.

At Cornerstone, we believe giving is an act of worship, honoring God. Every contribution, regardless of amount, makes a difference in lives and furthers God’s work. We understand unique financial situations and encourage joyful giving. Your support is appreciated.

Our church also takes a monthly benevolence offering to help assist people and organizations with financial needs. If you have a financial need, please reach out to a Pastor or Deacon. 

For those looking for it, our online giving area can be found here.

History of Cornerstone: Cornerstone Church began in 2001 as a church plant through the Central District (our regional ministry support team) of the Evangelical Free Church of America. In 2000, the Central District hired a new church planter named Kent McKinnon with the mission to plant churches in eastern Iowa. Kent and his wife, Jan, contacted Tony and Lisa Weber in the fall of 2000 after hearing of their desire to plant a church. The Webers were active members of Cedar Hills Evangelical Free Church in Cedar Rapids (now called Stonebridge) and had a longing to reach their neighbors in their hometown of Marion. After several invitational meetings, a core group of 5 families committed to the work and were commissioned to begin the plant. “Core Group” meetings began in January 2001 on Sunday evenings in the Weber home with a worship and teaching time. The Core Group also worked through material supplied by the district to develop the basic structure of the new church. Along with much prayer, a name was voted on, core values were written and outreach events were planned. Cornerstone Church began “unofficial” worship services in June 2001 at the Marion Community Center. Kent McKinnon preached on Sunday mornings and once a month a “Pot Blessing Meal” followed the service. Just days after the horrific events of 9/11, Cornerstone Church offered its first public worship service. Many visitors attended and the church met on Sunday mornings from then on. This initial year was filled with firsts for the church: first communion service, first neighborhood canvassing, first Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s and Valentine’s gatherings. The Core Group continued to meet on Sunday evenings in order to fulfill the requirements the Central District had for a new church. In March 2002, a group of about 30 people stood up in Des Moines at the District Conference to be recognized as an official church. Several members sang, “Grace Alone” that evening as a testimony to God’s marvelous work. Soon thereafter a pastor search committee was launched. After many interviews and much prayer, Chris Bozung was called to be the first Cornerstone Church pastor. Chris, his wife Johnna and their four young children began ministry at Cornerstone in September 2002 and served from that time until May 2009. About one year later, Cornerstone Church called their second and current pastor, Matt Proctor. Matt and his wife Carrie are native Iowans with four children. In November 2013, Cornerstone Church purchased its first facility. They held their first public worship service at The Warehouse at 925 Blairs Ferry Road in December 2013. Over the years our church has worshiped in various locations. One of Cornerstone’s values is that the church is a family not a building. Whether in a gym, a community center, a home school assistance office, a theater, or a warehouse the Cornerstone Church family remains committed to faith and family growth in order to advance the Gospel locally and globally.
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