Founding of Cornerstone

February 2, 1997

Pastor Bob and Anita Rice founded what became Cornerstone Community Church on Sunday, February 2, 1997.  Pastor Clay and Nancy Stidham are charter members and have been serving Cornerstone Community Church since Clay’s ordination on July 27, 1997. 

  

Cornerstone met for 15 years at the Pinetop-Lakeside Senior Center.  On March 4, 2012 the church began meeting at the Hampton Inn, Show Low.


In May of 2003 the radio program “Morning Light” began broadcasting at 9 am Sunday mornings on KRFM 96.5 in Show Low and is now aired on two additional stations and the Celebration Network during the week.


The ministry of Cornerstone is two-fold.  Pastor Rice dubbed it a “spiritual hospital” and a “salvation station”.  The emphasis in ministry is a personal, daily relationship with God and His Word as the source of salvation, restoration and power to live a life in Christ.


Cornerstone Community Church is an independent church incorporated under the laws of the state of Arizona as a 501-C(3).

Pinetop-Lakeside

senior center

The first service was held in a room rented for $35.  

Original meeting room

February 1997 to January 1998

Nancy Stidham received a phone call from Pat Moore inviting her to come to the first meeting of a new church.  Nancy did and has attended what became Cornerstone ever since.  There were 8-12 adults in the early meetings.

Founding pastor

Bob and Anita Rice

Cornerstone was the 6th church plant by Pastor Bob Rice, a "pentecostal Baptist".  His vision was for a "spiritual hospital" and a "salvation station".   He prayed for the impact to be worldwide.  Radio broadcasts, livestreams and  mission outreach are continuing to answer that prayer.

Pastor Clay Stidham

Ordained July 27, 1997

Clay Stidham preached his first sermon on his third Sunday in attendance.  He was ordained under the Articles of Incorporation filed to create Cornerstone Community Church as a 501-C(3) non-profit under the laws of Arizona.