2003 – Planted in Kingston
Cornerstone Church was planted in Kingston in 2003 and started off as a small group of people who were brought together from the Co-Mission churches, particularly the Dundonald congregation, and from Chessington Evangelical Church.
Up to 2010 we were formerly known as Fairfield Church, because of our Sunday location at Bedelsford School near the Fairfield Park, but changed to Cornerstone Church Kingston taking our inspiration from Ephesians 2:20 and Jesus being the foundation of our lives.
2008 – Pub meetings
In 2008 members of the church began meeting at the Druid’s Head pub in Kingston’s Marketplace to study the Bible and pray that God would open doors for the gospel in the town.
In September that year we began renting a room in the Market House, the old unmistakable building which dominates the market square, and started Late Night Church – a laid-back Thursday evening service aimed at people finishing their late-night shopping. Over the months it started to get packed-out with mainly students and we felt it was time to do something more.
God also grew our numbers through families and graduates and in 2009 we were thankful to have the resources to plant Christ Church in North Kingston.
2009 – The Hub
Through God’s provision, we acquired a property above Costa Coffee, also in the market square. We named it The Hub and this is where we hosted weekday events and used it as offices for our full-time workers.
Inside the The Hub we named our conference room the Thomas Denys room after Kingston’s own evangelical Christian martyr who was burned in the same Marketplace where The Hub is today. Denys was a God-fearing Christian who gathered crowds to preach the gospel and hand out Bible literature, but was executed in 1512 charged as a heretic. Our aim is to take up this mission again in the very place where the gospel was silenced 500 years ago.
2012 – Two Services
In 2012 we again reached maximum capacity for our Sunday morning services, but this time were lead by God to start two morning meetings according to the resources available.
We are a constantly changing and adapting congregation under God’s grace, with more groups and ministries for children, internationals, families and students now than ever. We are praying for God to give us the desire and opportunity to reach more people in Kingston with the good news about Jesus.
2013 – Mark Drama
In February we were able to host The Mark Drama in the Surbiton Assembly Rooms. Over 400 people came to the 2 performances which depicted the true events from the Gospel of Mark.
By God’s grace he has been gradually growing numbers at the youth social on Friday evenings. In September 2013 we launched 2 youth socials for 11 to 14s and 15s to 18s.
2014 – Growth
Towards the start of the year we launched a Church plant in Teddington called Cornerstone Church Teddington. They met every Sunday in Teddington, led by Tom Sweatman.
In September 2014 Canbury Park Church, in North Kingston, decided to join with Cornerstone. It has been a joy to have them join our congregation and many have become valued members of our homegroups.
Due to the increase in the number of families at the Church we’ve been able to employ Dean Dryden as a families worker.
2015 – FIEC
In 2015 we were accepted into the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), and you can now find us listed on their website.
During the Summer of 2015 the new Hub on Canbury Park Road was renovated and a new kitchen fitted. The Hub was opened up to the public for over 100 events for a series of events called “Share Life”.
The Church met at The Hub, Canbury Park Road, during Summer 2015 due to continued building work at Bedelsford School.
2016 – Breakfast Church
Sunday evening services are now held at The Hub on Canbury Park Road, along with a new project called “Breakfast Church” which meets every Sunday morning for families from 9am to 10am.
In June 2016 the Church took part in the local Street Party with an international theme. On the August Monday bank holiday we hosted our own Funday for local residents.
2017 – 150 years!!
In March 2017 we celebrated 150 years of Canbury Park Church, faithfully preaching the gospel in Kingston. Pete told the exciting events that led to a group of people being saved on the Fairfield after hearing a faithful preacher.
On the first May bank holiday, Cornerstone hosted an Away Day for all the family including swimming, unihoc, craft, bouncy castles and seminars.
2018 – Hellos and Goodbyes
2018 has been both a sad and exciting year for Cornerstone.
In January 2018 one of our dearest members and Elder, David Redington, went to be with our Lord & Saviour. Many of us experienced his encouragements, wisdom and care – and will never forget his love and commitment for Jesus Christ. On 21st January 2018 Pete Woodcock preached a sermon from Psalms 23:1 – 23:6 to remind us of Dave’s brief message for Cornerstone Church: “If you don’t know you’re going to heaven, get it sorted”.
In July 2018 Andy Bruins went to be the Pastor of Walton Evangelical Church in Chesterfield. His last sermon titled “Lessons learnt at Cornerstone” is available for download online. We say farewell to the Bruins family and are very thankful for their service to us since 2011.
2018 has seen an influx of babies, we rejoice in these new children and pray they would grow up to know the Lord.
2019 – Move to Tiffin School
After much prayer, God has provided a new venue for our 10:30 morning service. We have outgrown Bedelsford School and therefore we moved on 1st December 2019 to Tiffin School. God has provided a wonderful building with a larger meeting hall, excellent facilities and free onsite parking.
2020 – Lockdown
In February 2020 we launched a new logo, you can watch highlights from the launch service on YouTube.
Ben Read joined the staff team as trainee pastor, and has helped serve the Church with preaching and media work.
In March 2020 the UK Government restricted Churches from meeting to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Our services moved online, which are available to watch on YouTube. The staff team started recording a video series called ‘Corona Chronicles’, looking at the book of Revelation and Mark.
Below are some highlights from our 44 lockdown services.
With Church restrictions easing in late 2020, we were able to meet for The Gathering in September, and the annual Cornerstone Carol Service in Tiffin School car park.
2021 – In-person and online
Churches were allowed to run services in January’s lockdown, so we continued our 11am & 6.30pm services in-person and online. The staff team started new podcast series called “Christianity A-Z” available on YouTube.
We released this short video to invite people to our Easter services.
In May we were able to meet for The Gathering as a whole Church, with over 250 people attending:
With restrictions easing we were able to run events in the Autumn term including the “Monster Mash Bash” on Halloween night and the first every Cornerstone Bonfire Night at Polyapes Camp Site.
2022 – Share Life
In 2022 we hosted a month of social events for all the local community.
With 63 events across 23 days, from Escape Rooms, to Tots Disco, to Latin Ballroom Dancing, there was something for everyone.
2023 – Away Day
In April 2023 we had our Church Family Away Day in Cumnor House in Sussex, with over 300 people attending. Here are some of our highlights.
2024
In February we held our annual ‘Media Fast – Bible Feast’ event.