Around 1989 the congregations of The United Methodist and First Presbyterian
churches of Lansingburgh began celebrating the season of Advent by combining
choirs for yearly Christmas concerts now known as Prelude to Christmas.
In September 2001, representatives of each congregation met and covenanted
to “share worship and Christian Education” for the period of Advent 2001. This
sharing continued through 2002 with other boards and committees being challenged
to find venues through which we could combine our efforts and ministry.
By the end of 2002, we adopted a new name for our work together: The
Lansingburgh Ecumenical Shared Ministry.
On the Day of Pentecost, June 4, 2006, a special session of the United
Methodist Church Conference and a special Congregational Meeting of The First
Presbyterian Church was jointly held. By an overwhelming vote of each
congregation, the Lansingburgh Ecumenical Shared Ministry began the process of
forming itself into a 'Union' congregation and combining into one building − the Presbyterian Church facility.
On Sunday, November 27, 2006, as part of our worship celebration, United
Methodist resident Bishop Susan Hassinger led the Methodist and Presbyterian
worshippers in a procession from then United Methodist building (3rd Avenue & 116th
Street) one block south to the Presbyterian building (3rd Avenue & 115th Street). . . now
to be known as The Cornerstone Community Church of Lansingburgh.
On June 16, 2009, we were officially consolidated under Section 13 of the
Religious Corporations Law of New York State, as The Cornerstone Community
Church of Lansingburgh. We became incorporated in the County of Rensselaer, New
York state, on
July 28, 2009.
