History of the
Cornerstone (Ames) Baptist Church
The Ames Baptist Church was organized on
February 6, 1794 by a council called from several churches of the Free Communion Baptists of Eastern New York at the request of certain brethren of Warrensbuck (now South Amsterdam).
The first meeting house was built one mile east of the village on what is now Old Sharon Road. The graveyard still
marks this location.
In December 1832 a new meeting house was built in the center of the village of Ames. In 1882 extensive remodeling was done, adding a Sunday School room, a horse-shoe shaped balcony, also new pews and stained glass windows. In 1909 more improvements were made. In 1924 an addition was built which contained a kitchen and a place for the pipe organ which was given by Mr. Charles Button in memory of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Phelps Button.
In 1928 a coal-burning furnace was installed to heat this auditorium and a new entrance was constructed. This building was in continuous use from 1832-1973 when the congregation outgrew it.
In 1852 the church purchased a commodious parsonage which was repaired to a modern structure in 1933. The parsonage has been redecorated at various times as new Pastors have arrived. It is still being used, at present by Pastor and Mrs. Tom W. Shelton, Sr.
In 1972 the church purchased seven acres of land
one-half mile north of Ames on Route 10. A building committee was appointed; Richard Button, Chairman, Mrs. Bonnie Van Schaick, Mrs. Rosalee Rolle, Robert Moyer and Jacob Schuurman. In May 1972 a groundbreaking ceremony took place.
A new red brick building was erected by Roy May,
Contractor and a member of Ames Baptist Church Under the leadership of Pastor Robert Rusbuldt the people had a mind to work and the members gave many hours of volunteer service, doing much of the interior painting, etc.
This present structure, the third building to belong to Ames Baptist Church, encompasses about three times as much floor space as the 1832 building. It was constructed at a cost of approximately $160,000. This was financed by abundant gifts, a bank loan and bonds. The new church was dedicated
July 22, 1973 with 500 in attendance.
The highlight of our Thanksgiving Eve service on
November 23, 1983, was the burning of the mortgage on the new building. This culminated a "Debt Free in 1983" campaign instituted by Pastor Hole, with $44,000 paid in the last four and
one-half years.
On September 24, 1987 Rev. Tom W. Shelton Sr. was voted on to become the new Pastor of Ames Baptist Church.
On December 13, 1987 Rev. Tum W. Shelton Sr., was officially installed as our new Pastor.
As the time went by the congregation was growing in number and the need for an Associate Pastor was considered. On November 30, 1988 a Special Meeting was held to consider the position of Youth Worker. The church members agreed this should
be looked into. Several months passed and after having many discussions on this matter a Special Meeting was called
on August 13, 1989 concerning a vote on calling an Associate Pastor, part-time. 'this was approved and Pastor Mark Sheldon was called as a part-time Associate Pastor. The months ahead once again showed growth in the number of people attending Ames Baptist Church and the need for a full-time Associate Pastor and on
June 6, 1990 Pastor Mark Sheldon was called for this position.
As the time went by the congregation was growing in number and the need for an Associate Pastor was considered. On
November 30, 1988 a Special Meeting was held to consider the position of Youth Worker. The church members agreed this should be looked into. Several months passed and after having many discussions on this matter a Special Meeting was called on
August 13, 1989 concerning a vote on calling an Associate Pastor, part-time. 'this was approved and Pastor Mark Sheldon was called as a part-time Associate Pastor. The months ahead once again showed growth in the number of people attending Ames Baptist Church and the need for a full-time Associate Pastor and on
June 6, 1990 Pastor Mark Sheldon was called for this position.
On May 9, 1990 a special meeting was held pertaining to Ames Baptist Church, Ames, N.Y. to merge with First Baptist Church of Fort Plain N.Y. Ames Baptist Church voted to merge with First Baptist Church.
On May 20, 1990 the two churches held their first church service as one church.
The first business meeting as one church was held
May 23, 1990.
On August 15, 1990 a Special Meeting was called in regard to changing the name of Ames Baptist Church. Eight names were submitted and broken down to four names. The four names were voted on and "Cornerstone Baptist Church" was the chosen one.
