OUR STORY

You can’t see our future if you don’t understand our history.

From twelve people in a small white church to a thriving, diverse ministry serving Rowan County and beyond—Cornerstone’s story is one of faith, sacrifice, growth, and God’s faithfulness.

01 / THE BEGINNING

A foundation of faith.

Every chapter began with a step of faith—and a belief that God was building something greater than anyone could see.

1986

Twelve people. One beginning.

Cornerstone Church was founded in November 1986 in a small, white church building in northern Salisbury. The first Sunday had 12 in attendance—five being the Godair family. Bishop Godair founded the church and laid the rich legacy we still see today.

1989–1996

Room to grow.

In 1989, after outgrowing the original building, the church relocated to Downtown Salisbury at 127 S. Main Street. For seven years, Cornerstone continued to experience growth. Then, in July 1996—after several financial miracles—the church purchased its present campus from CCB. The property, appraised at $2.3 million, included the building and eight acres and was purchased for $500,000.

02 / A FAMILY GROWS

New chapters. Wider reach.

A growing family and an expanding ministry opened a new chapter in Cornerstone’s story.

1999–2001

A family takes shape.

In 1999, Bishop Godair met Tina Samples, a single mother from Toledo, Ohio. They became engaged a few months later at the top of the Empire State Building in New York City and married in 2001, blending their families with children Jonathan, Kristen, Bethany, and Joshua. Shortly after moving to Salisbury, Pastor Tina began working with the child development centers and grew them into what we see today—the largest childcare provider in Rowan County. She also established Girlfriends, a women’s ministry that reaches women across the community and offers a safe space to connect with their girlfriends and Christ.

2008

Growth finds a gathering place.

On Easter Sunday 2008, Cornerstone moved into its new facility, The Event Center. Built with the growth of both church and community in mind, it has fulfilled that purpose—hosting the City of Salisbury, Livingstone College, Rowan-Salisbury School System, Atrium Health Medical Center, and many others. In the fall of 2008, the original building was remodeled and renamed The Education Center. It now houses the Business Center and church offices, Cornerstone Kids, Cornerstone Youth, several suites, and Cornerstone Child Development Center–Main.

2021

In June 2021, the unimaginable happened: Bishop Godair received a report from his doctors stating that he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Despite this, he continued to preach and minister to others throughout chemotherapy. During that same year, additional leadership was brought in to help carry the vision forward.

On December 7, 2021, at Duke Hospice in the Hock Family Pavilion, Bishop Godair transitioned into eternity with his wife, Tina, beside him.

“He fought a good fight. He finished the race. He kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

BISHOP BILL GODAIR

A legacy built to last.

The story is still being written.

Today, Pastor Tina and the Pastoral Team continue to build upon the foundation and legacy through Cornerstone Church, five Child Development Centers, The Legacy School, and Cornerstone’s future sports complex. Because of the solid foundation that has been built, Cornerstone is now a strong, thriving, diverse, Spirit-led church affecting people throughout our community from all walks of life. We are passionate about connecting the hearts of people to the heart of God.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

There’s a place for you in the story.

Come experience what God is doing at Cornerstone—and help us carry the legacy forward.