This ministry evolved as a result of our Laymen and Missionaries’ efforts to provide our senior parishioners transportation to Worship Services. 

 

Mission Statement

1)  “Wheels For Christ” is set apart for the comfort, convenience and service of our         senior citizens and to the glory of God.   

2)      To provide a “LIFT” for the aged that they might worship God in prayer and praise,    in spirit and in truth.

3)      To aid the aged so that they may hear the preaching of the everlasting Gospel           and participate in the celebration of the Holy Sacraments.  

                 4)  That righteousness might be promoted; the unity of our faith strengthened and                         the bond of brotherhood widened.

  Recognizing the inability of seniors to attend church services due to lack of transportation, the Business and Professional Women of the Missionary Society engaged the services of a cab company to pick up a designated number of seniors on Communion Sunday (third Sunday of each month) for a fee of $3.00 p.p. that was underwritten by the B & P W. The number of persons requiring this service accelerated to the point that it became necessary to plan on a larger scale to accommodate them.  Transportation was a serious concern of the Laymen’s Movement as well as the Missionary Society. 

  After careful and lengthy research on models, prices, etc, Mrs. Dolores Ingram and Mrs. Berlyn Lacey returned with a full report of their findings.  This report was submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval.  Because of the high cost of the vehicle, insurance, maintenance, and garaging, the Board of Trustees felt it wasn’t feasible to purchase at the time.  

Not discouraged, the Business and Professional Women set out to raise funds to purchase a new van.  Mrs. Clara Frances Charles and Mrs. Gwendolyn Charles Howard were appointed by  Pastor Wright to pursue this project.  They, together with Deacon Eddie Driver, Trustees James Taylor, Clifford Jenkins, and Mrs. Pecola Rodriguez met with Mr. Leslie Braithwaite who was employed by Chrysler Corporation, N.Y.C..  Mr. Braithwaite submitted an acceptable proposal and was instrumental in the acquisition of our first van at a substantial savings.

Spearheaded by the Business and Professional Women of the Missionary Society and under the leadership of Pastor Harry S. Wright, the first van was purchased in 1982.    A gala Dedication and Unveiling Ceremony attracting more than 1,000 members and well wishers of the community was held on a frigid Sunday afternoon in December 1982. On behalf of the Chrysler Corporation, Mr. Leslie Braithwaite presented the first van (paid in full) to Cornerstone Baptist Church.  Another highlight of the day was the mounting of a plaque inside the van in memory of Mrs. Nellie Maloney who had played a major role in the initial stages of this project.   

Among those who gave untiring service as drivers/monitors/schedulers:  Mrs. Bessie Jones, Mr. Thurman Mason, Mrs. Dolores Ingram, and others.

 

In 1990 two additional deluxe vans were purchased through the financial efforts of the 1990 Men’s Day Chairmen, Deacons Devon Ponds and Eugene Gregg.  All vans are upholstered in quality fabric and leather and have a seating capacity of 13 passengers plus the driver.

  Members are scheduled for pick up within the boundaries set by the coordinator.  They arrive in time for Church School, remain for Morning Worship Service, and are then returned to their respective homes.

Skilled and proficient drivers and monitors provide a comfortable and safe ride for passengers.  Cassette tapes of sermons, concerts, and other musical events are played for the enjoyment of the passengers.

This convenient service affords members the opportunity to fellowship, socialize, and be nurtured spiritually on a weekly basis.  Further, it helps them to remain active, vibrant and informed as a part of the Church Family.

Our Wheels For Christ vans have traveled all over New York City’s five boroughs, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, upstate New York, etc. accommodating groups of all ages attending conventions, seminars, retreats, workshops, concerts and other church related events.  The vans are also utilized in our Food Pantry and S.H.A.R.E. Programs.

 

Cornerstone organizations, choirs, ministries desiring to utilize vans submit request forms giving all pertinent information.  Once received, requests are carefully reviewed and decision made.

The committee is inundated with requests for transportation daily as the need for additional vans continues to rise.

 

When you see attractive maroon vans with white lettering – “Wheels For Christ,” know that they are about our Father’s business, ministering in a useful and much appreciated ministry.

On Sunday, November 3, 2002 a large brand new white van was dedicated by Pastor Wright and added to the "Wheels For Christ" fleet. The new spacious van is equipped with a powered lift for wheel chair entry and exit.    

Committed To Serve  

Deacon Alvin Cox, Coordinator