Cornerstone Bible Chapel, Rochester, NY

Cornerstone Bible Chapel is an open brethren assembly in Rochester, Monroe Co., New York that is believed to trace its roots as early as 1890, the founding year is unknown. In 1890, the U.S. Religious Census counted one open assembly in Monroe Co., with 50 meeting in a home. In its earliest years, it was known as Rochester Gospel Hall thru at least 1904.

In 1922, there were two meetings in Rochester, one was likely what became Frost Avenue Gospel Hall +1926-1950+, which may have subsequently merged into this assembly. Unknown which address from 1922 belongs with this meeting.

1926 USCoRB indicated that there were 38 in fellowship (15 men, 23 women) in this assembly including 5 S.S. teachers, presiding over 30 children (for a total of 68 in 1926). The Hall had a value of $3,000 with $600 owed (with $354.63 in annual expenses), and $545.50 was additionally spent towards the Lord's work in 1926.

By 1927, the assembly was known as Carter Street Chapel, and by 1936 as Carter Street Assembly Hall. By 1951, it had rebranded as Congress Avenue Gospel Chapel, which it remained until 1999/2000 when it became known as its current entity.

It's notable that the exclusive brethren pre-dated the opens back to at least 1878, see history on their TW, Grant-Booth and Grant-Open meetings, the latter of which may have absorbed into other open assemblies after 1941.

AKA's

• Rochester Gospel Hall +1890-1904+
• Carter Street Chapel +1927+
• Carter Street Assembly Hall +1936-1950+
• Congress Avenue Gospel Chapel +1951-1999/2000

Locations

• 273 E. Main St. +1897+
• 70 Jefferson St. +1922+ & 404 South Ave. +1922+ (2 meetings)
• crnr. Carter & Herald +1926-1950+
• cor. Congress & Pioneer Sts. +1951-1999/2000
• 3231 Buffalo Rd. 2000-current

Early Correspondents

• Alexander S. "Alex" McKenzie +1904+ (b. 1847 P.E.I.)
• J.W. Bramhall, Jr. +1922-1927+
• Stephen G. Smith +1936-1947
• Fred James +1948+
• Stephen G. Smith +1950-1970+

Also See

• Visiting Ministry at Cornerstone Bible Chapel, Rochester, NY
• Who's Who at Cornerstone Bible Chapel, Rochester, NY notable early alumni
• CBC's website

Sources

• AAB's 1897-1970+
• Philip J. Fillion 2025-4-6 email