On June 1, 1986, with a Bible in one hand and a one thousand dollar offering given to him by his parents in the other hand, the twenty-one year old Michael Pitts came to Toledo, Ohio. Joined by his wife, Kathi, his brother, Robert and his wife, Kelly, they formed the nucleus leadership team committed to seeing a spirit-filled church birthed in Toledo.

Robert secured the keys to a storefront building on Central and Douglas and began modest renovation of the leased space. Kelly hand painted the first sign for the exterior of the building announcing service times and the name Cornerstone in bright red letters. Would anyone come to this new church? Would anyone hear this unknown twenty-one year old pastor?

Thirty-five people attended the first Sunday morning service of Cornerstone. Pastor preached with passion to the hopeful handful. Sister Kathi sang and helped Sister Kelly teach the children. Pastor Robert added his faith to the zero balance budget and made it work.

It wasn't too long, however, until the little storefront was filled. It was not unusual for every chair to be filled and people standing against the walls.

In November 1987, the one-year old church moved to the Byrne Hill Plaza (at Byrne and Hill Road) and continued to grow. The free atmosphere created by love, prayer, and singing was drawing people from all backgrounds. Word was spreading about the church and the unique preaching and anointing upon its young pastor.

Soon two Sunday morning services were needed and additional space in the plaza secured to accommodate the increasing congregation.

By October 1990, Cornerstone had moved again to 7200 Airport Highway. Within the first couple of weeks the building filled so rapidly that it was apparent that the church would have to resume the two Sunday morning service schedule. Pastor David Banks and wife Toni joined the ministry team in March 1991. Not long after, in July 1992, Minister Derick Thomas and wife Madeline also found their place here at Cornerstone.

After weeks of searching for the next building that would house the church, Pastor Robert walked our Pastor into a vacant grocery store in Maumee Marketplace. Pastor Pitts said, "This is the place!" Pastor Robert then worked out a miraculous deal and the new renovation began.

This project would stretch the young church. It would take more time, more money, more city counsel meetings, and more volunteers than anything Cornerstone had ever done. On March 5, 1995, Cornerstone opened up the doors to its new facility to a capacity crowd. Newly added ministry members Minister Jeffrey Smith and wife Nicola had their hands full with the thousands of families that began attending.

Parking lots were added, a radio station purchased, an east-side facility opened, and television equipment purchased as the vision continues to unfold. No one but God knows all of the sacrifices made, the prayers prayed, or the lives changed. But by His goodness, He has led us, protected us, and prospered us. The future looks bright, but first we must say, "Hithero the Lord has helped us."