By Staff
special to The Star
Sept. 21, 2002
The Rev. Clarence Tilghman will be the man of the week as the congregation of Cornerstone Church of God honors him with a six-day pastor appreciation and 10th anniversary celebration.
The week begins with special services Sunday, climaxes with a family night Friday and culminates Saturday with worship service. All events are open to the public.
History
Cornerstone Church of God was organized Jan. 1, 1942, then disbanded two years later on Aug. 17. The church was reorganized Nov. 14 by state overseer John L. Byrd.
Since its founding, the church has undergone several name changes and pastorates. Organized in 1942 as the Meridian Church of God, the church's name was later changed to North Meridian Worship Center. A third and final name changed was made in 1992 under Tilghman's direction.
Since its founding, Cornerstone has had 17 pastoral changes. Tilghman has the longest tenure with 10 years.
Church growth
Under Tilghman's pastorship, the church has had phenomenal growth, spiritually and physically. The pastor said he came to Meridian in 1992 with the vision to "reach broken-hearted people with the love of Jesus Christ. Cornerstone is the essence of this vision."
Tilghman has earned a reputation as a pastor with an evangelist heart.
Revival phase
The church was transformed by a single event on Sept. 5, 1996, when several people gave themselves to Christ during a funeral service. Since then, Cornerstone has been in a revival phase, said Tew.
A 19-week revival conducted by Tilghman followed.
And the church continues in what is described by members as a "revival state."