Our Story

How it all started...

In 1994, a handful of families from Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Newark began meeting in living rooms to pray and dream about planting a new gospel-centered church in the Landenberg area. Led by Pastor Mark Van Gilst, they longed for a community rooted in Scripture and reaching neighbors with the love of Christ.

On November 6, 1994, about fifty people gathered in the cafeteria of Kemblesville Elementary School for Cornerstone’s first worship service. From that first Sunday, Cornerstone was marked by heartfelt worship, biblical teaching, and a genuine sense of belonging.

How it all started...

In 1994, a handful of families from Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Newark began meeting in living rooms to pray and dream about planting a new gospel-centered church in the Landenberg area. Led by Pastor Mark Van Gilst, they longed for a community rooted in Scripture and reaching neighbors with the love of Christ.

On November 6, 1994, about fifty people gathered in the cafeteria of Kemblesville Elementary School for Cornerstone’s first worship service. From that first Sunday, Cornerstone was marked by heartfelt worship, biblical teaching, and a genuine sense of belonging.

Growing Together...

Within just four years, God provided a permanent home. On November 1, 1998, the congregation held its first service in the new building—already filled with nearly 300 people. Many who attended in those early days had little or no church background, yet they found a place of grace and welcome.

By 2001, Cornerstone had become a church that plants churches, sending Tony Stephens and a small team to start Stillwaters Presbyterian Church in Kennett Square.

Growth continued through the 2000s, and a major addition in 2009 expanded our fellowship hall and education wing to make room for the growing body.

A Shared Heart...

Cornerstone has always been known as a friendly church with a shared mission. Visitors often speak of the warmth and welcome they experience here. Life Groups have become the heartbeat of our community, helping a larger church remain personal and connected.

From the beginning, Cornerstone has carried a strong outward focus—seeking to share both the good news of Jesus and tangible mercy with our community and the world. The church now designates over ten percent of its annual budget to missions, supporting more than a dozen local and global partners.

Growing Together...

Within just four years, God provided a permanent home. On November 1, 1998, the congregation held its first service in the new building—already filled with nearly 300 people. Many who attended in those early days had little or no church background, yet they found a place of grace and welcome.

By 2001, Cornerstone had become a church that plants churches, sending Tony Stephens and a small team to start Stillwaters Presbyterian Church in Kennett Square.

Growth continued through the 2000s, and a major addition in 2009 expanded our fellowship hall and education wing to make room for the growing body.

A Shared Heart...

Cornerstone has always been known as a friendly church with a shared mission. Visitors often speak of the warmth and welcome they experience here. Life Groups have become the heartbeat of our community, helping a larger church remain personal and connected.

From the beginning, Cornerstone has carried a strong outward focus—seeking to share both the good news of Jesus and tangible mercy with our community and the world. The church now designates over ten percent of its annual budget to missions, supporting more than a dozen local and global partners.

Cornerstone's 25th Anniversary - September, 2019

Where we are headed...

After Pastor Van Gilst’s retirement in 2015, Cornerstone called Pastor Billy Haines as Senior Pastor in 2016. Under his leadership, we continue to pursue the same vision that shaped our beginnings—to see the love of God transform people into mature disciples of Jesus Christ who love God above all else and sacrificially love others.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to glorifying God, building His Kingdom, and welcoming all who seek hope in Christ.

We remain steadfast in our prayer, asking that God would indeed transform us into mature disciples of Jesus Christ who love him above all else and who sacrificially love others.

Be a part of our story...

Join us every Sunday as we gather to worship together 10 am.