Eventually, under the direction and ministry philosophy of EHBC, the idea of beginning a church in Utica was born. Our first service was held at Hamilton College on June 11, 2000. The main purpose of the service was to determine if there was enough interest in pursuing this vision. The service was standing room only with over 100 people in attendance.

By January 2001 it was determined that regular Sunday evening services needed to begin. The members of Norwich Corners Church graciously allowed us to use their building on Sunday nights. Being fully committed to the new church, a pastoral search committee was created in September of 2000. Additionally, a building committee was formed to locate a more permanent place for worship.

Shortly after hiring Leon, we took on the name Cornerstone Community Church and continued to search for a building to hold services. On November 19, 2001 the New York Mills Community Center, a former church built in 1873, was found to be available. Immediately, we began pursuing the purchase of the property. The closing took place on May 6, 2002, and after much renovation work, we held our first public church service on September 8, 2002.

Cornerstone continues to exist under the legal and spiritual authority of EHBC, functioning under the By-laws of EHBC and observing the EHBC Statement of Faith (see Doctrinal Statement on page 29). Cornerstone is in the process of establishing its own formal structure and will continue to do so as time progresses. Once the appropriate organizational and leadership structure is in place, it is the intention of EHBC to incorporate Cornerstone Community Church as an independent entity.