In 1908, situated on the current property, Cornerstone
was a small wood frame Holiness Pentecostal
Church. When the Reverends Emma and Allie Irick
came in 1933, it was a Church of the Nazarene.
Under Bro. and Sis. Irick's leadership the church
experienced great growth, and there was a need
for a larger facility. The Great Depression
did not effect these industrious pioneers. The
church rallied together and built the existing
building using wood and nails from the previous
structure. Although the church has changed
denominations and pastors throughout the years,
the awesome presence of God and posthumous influence
of Bro. and Sis. Irick can still be experienced.
We at Cornerstone will always love and admire
their sacrifice to Angelina County.
The facilities became Cornerstone United Pentecostal
Church in 1991. Reverend and Mrs. Vernon Neely,
former Texas District Secretary, became the
pastor in 1995. Under their anointed leadership,
Biblical principles were instilled into the
hearts of the members. At the present time,
we are honored and blessed as a church family
to have our Elder and Grand Lady as members
of Cornerstone. Their sacrifice and love will
always be cherished in our hearts and lives.
In 1997, Evangelist Nathan Scoggins, Sis. Bertha
Scoggins, and baby daughter Leah Marie Scoggins
came to East Texas to assume the pastorate of
Cornerstone UPC. Reverend Nathan and Bertha
began their Ministry at the Greater Bethel Tabernacle
in Houston, Texas under the leadership of Pastors
O.R and D.L. Fauss. Serving others and going
above and beyond the call of duty has been a
characteristic of their ministry. Going from
offshore rig hand to management in the oilfield
to full-time ministry helped prepare them for
what God had planned for their lives. They formerly
served as Texas District Youth President where
they led a team that broke the all time offering
for Sheaves for Christ; a division of the United
Pentecostal Church International. Under the
leadership of this ministry team, Cornerstone
has more than tripled in membership. Many new
ministries have been implemented, and vision
has been cast to relocate Cornerstone to the
West Loop.
We are excited about where we have come from
and where we are going! We would love for you
to be a part of our church history.
