History
A brief History of our founding Pastor and the call of God on his life.
By Elaine Cornett, his wife
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In July 1976, Pearl Cornett felt the call from God to start a full gospel church in the Ripley County area. While searching for a building, he began services in his back yard. In September, he began working on the old school house on Signor Hill Road, Versailles. Along with Bill Strunk and several volunteers, the work was completed and the church was dedicated to the Lord on December 6th, 1976. At the dedication, Reverend Herbert Gibson ordained Pastor Pearl and conducted the service. |
The church grew and Pastor was led to look for land where a church could be built. Land was purchased on Cavehill Road and building began in late 1985. The new church was dedicated in May 1986. For the next 10 years, the church would continue to grow and God's blessing flow. Often Pastor Pearl would go to the mountains of Kentucky for days to fast, pray and seek guidance. During these times of stealing away with God, is when he would get direction. Not only was he willing to seek God’s direction but he was obedient to that direction; trusting in God’s plan and in His ways.
It was during one of these trips that God began to again lay the plan for an addition to the existing church that would seat 200. And in 1996, that is exactly what he did. This project was completed and dedicated to the Lord in July 1998.
Later that same year, Pastor was planning a mission trip to Kenya. While seeking the Lord, he felt God speak to him to start a Christian school at the church. Cavehill Christian Academy would soon accept the first group of students in August of 2000. The school is a certified ACE (Accelerated Christian Education) program. The Academy continues today and thrives, producing young men and young ladies that are well prepared for college, the work force, or technical school.
In 2008, the Spirit of God spoke to him to prepare to release the position of Senior Pastor to Doug Norman. Doug had served faithfully in the church as usher, youth pastor, teacher and servant leader. In January 2010, Pastor Pearl ordained Doug as the new Pastor.
God truly had directed this man of God, because only God knew that He was going to call Pastor Pearl home to be with Him on September 27, 2011. He has gone on, but the fruit of his labor remains.
