Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church

Church History

In 1954, the late Rev. John W. Woods, who was an Assistant Pastor at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Newark, under the pastorate of the late Rev. Rafus P. Means, decided under the direction of the Lord to work independently in his own vineyard as a minister for the Master’s cause. On the recommendation of the late Rev. Benjamin F. Johnson, who was pastor of the Metropolitan Baptist Church, Rev. Woods requested permission to use the King William Grad Lodge of Masons for the use of their hall located at 95 South Orange Avenue. This request was granted and on Sunday, March 7, 1954, the first worship service was held with 28 persons present. On Sunday, March 21, 1954, Mrs. Emma Dixon became the first enrolled member of this congregation, and a few weeks later the church adopted the name of Greater Cornerstone Baptist Mission.

By June 20, 1954 the membership grew to 30 people, and the church appealed to the Permanent council of North Jersey District Baptist Association for recognition as a regular Baptist Church. The council took official action on this appeal, and on June 23, 1954 Rev. John W. Woods was installed as the first Pastor of the Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church.

In 1958, the young church needed a new location, and in September of that year the church moved from 95 South Orange Avenue to 584 High Street (Rev. Dr. Martin L. King Blvd.). In October of 1961 the church moved to 294 Orange Street, and on May 24, 1962 the church purchased a building at 428 Central Avenue. Worship services began at that location on June 3, 1962. In December of 1976, the church relocated to 115-119 West Market Street, which was formally occupied by the Bethany Baptist Church. Services were held at that location until March of 1989 when the church purchased the present building at 235-237 North 18th Street. On Sunday, March 5, 1989 services began at our present location.


On November 22, 1994, after forty-one years of pastoring, preaching, and teaching, the Lord saw fit to call Rev. John w. Woods from labor to reward. His dedication to God and his obedience to the will of God led to many souls being saved, and many lives being transformed for Christ. Dr. Woods was a visionary who taught the greater cornerstone family to trust in God’s word. Through his leadership many auxiliaries were formed that still perform vital ministries today. Rev. Woods believed in helping others, and he adored the youth of the church. The vision that God gave Rev. Woods still lives on today, and the members of Greater Cornerstone will never forget the legacy of their first pastor and organizer.

After the passing of Rev. Woods, the church had a lot of work to do. Bro. Houston Nance and Sis. Pearl Goodman were elected as Co-Chairpersons of the church’s administrative and pulpit committees. During the year of 1995, the church was forced to secure a new mortgage, interview ministers for the pastoral vacancy, as well as maintain the expenses of the church and the care of the members.

God kept the membership of the church together, and in December of 1995, the church held a meeting to select a new pastor, and the Rev. Niles R. Wilson who was serving as an associate minister at the Greater Harvest Baptist Church in Newark was selected to be the second pastor of the Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church.

On January 7, 1996 Rev. Wilson began his duties as pastor of our church, and on February 1996 he was officially installed as the pastor. Rev. Wilson continued in God’s vision for the church, and immediately informed the membership of his vision and plan of action. By October of 1996 the church’s sanctuary was completely renovated, and a new roof and boiler had been installed.

From 1997 until now, under the direction of Pastor Wilson and with the teamwork of the joint boards of Deacons, Deaconess, and Trustees the church has grown spiritually and physically. Together under our pastor’s leadership and vision, we have been able to purchase an additional parking lot, renovate the inside and outside of the building, purchase a van, and institute numerous ministries that focus on serving the community and the membership. In less than five years, our membership has grown spiritually, and in number. Pastor Wilson has declared that Greater Cornerstone is the church going to a new level in Christ.