Cornerstone Church continues legacy of charity and compassion of founder
Published 12:05 am Sunday, August 14, 2022
Pastor Calvin Willis giving away a free bookbag. Submitted photo
The late Bishop Bill Godair and Pastor Tina Godair. Submitted photo
A woman and a child help serve salad at Rowan Helping Ministries during Love Thy Neighbor month at Cornerstone Church. Submitted photo
The Cornerstone Praise Team singing praises to God and leading the congregation in dynamic worship.Submittted photo
The Cornerstone Praise Team singing praises to God and leading the congregation in dynamic worship. Submitted photo
SALISBURY — Thirty-one years ago, a young Bill Godair was convinced he had been called to establish a church — but not just any church.
His goal was to go beyond the traditional religions and churches, to get beyond racism and differences, and to address poverty and need. Cornerstone Church ministry was born.
He and his wife, Pastor Tina Godair, worked tirelessly through the years, not only to be a church that welcomed everyone, but a church that taught the youngest from the start that each of us is responsible for the other.
“Caring for one another is something we should do regardless,” said Tina Godair. “My husband and I have not only tried to make that part of our church practice, but have tried to live our lives that way.”
Bill Godair died in December of 2021 at the age of 63 after declining health, but before his death, he had created a church that included both an events center and a child care business. And he had developed a reputation for tremendous generosity, both in the church and in the larger community.
So several weeks ago, the church family gathered together and handed out thousands of dollars in gift cards — for food, school supplies, gas, etc. — to people in need. They also gave out bicycles, backpacks, school supplies and many, many hugs.
