This a reference to the corner location of the building (Roft Street & Lower Brook Street), but more importantly, recognising Christ is the Cornerstone of our faith and ultimate salvation.

The first purpose-built Baptist Chapel in Oswestry was erected in 1806 on land given by John Roberts (who lies buried behind the building). The chapel was enlarged in 1818 and again in 1867, and services continued here until a new Baptist Church was opened in Salop Road in 1892.

The 1851 Religious Census says about the Baptist Chapel, English Walls:

Erected 1806. Used exclusively as a place of worship.  It has 160 free sittings & 180 others (i.e. not free!)
On 30 March (1851):-
General congregation at its morning service 92, plus 22 Sunday scholars.
General congregation at its evening service 107.
Remarks: "In consequence of the church having been for the last 18 months without a regular minister, the congregation have very much declined - it having for that time been supplied by occasional ministers. “
Signed by John Windsor (agricultural implement maker, wireworker and dealer), Deacon, of Beatrice Street, Oswestry.
The building has been used for other purposes since then, and the whole site was redeveloped & re-opened in 2001.  “Rainbow's End” now occupies the chapel building fronting the street.

The building of Oswestry’s new Baptist Church allowed for a seating capacity of over 400, several meeting rooms and a hall.
As church membership declined over the years, the building fell into disrepair and eventually was closed for worship in 1979, the roof being declared unsafe.  The church membership was down to 12.

the Borough Council’s preservation area (although not a listed building) – was not acceptable to the planning authorities.  The sale of the church building and extension of the hall with access to the town’s main car park was also not acceptable: the car park wall was not to be breeched! The eventual conclusion was to sell the whole site and buy a large house which could be used for services in the short-term.
Rev. Ivor Waddelow was invited to become our Pastor, helped with a Home Mission Fund grant, and under Ivor's direction buildings were sold, loans secured, permission for change of use obtained, the old premises emptied (that  was also hilarious!) and we became a House Church at “Graylands”, Weston Avenue, Oswestry.  Following a remarkable ministry by Ivor and Bemice during which the Church grew in numbers, in faith, and in adventurous outreach, the premises became too small and Ivor announced his retirement.

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The Cornerstone Story  –  the background to Oswestry Baptist Church...

Returning home from some years in Canada Rev. Stewart Warren and his wife Joan were asked by the fellowship to become our Pastors. Under them the Church explored worship in a different way and we needed larger premises.  Sell the house? YES!!
We had managed to sell the Church and we waited for the promise of a greater harvest in God's Kingdom.

Cornerstone came into being...
With the house sold, a red brick industrial-type unit sited in the town and used by a tool-hire firm – with water, electricity and sewerage laid on – became available.  With the Baptist Union’s aid we bought it. Working with Stewart and Joan, the evangelists Jan and Steve Worthy gave us two years of their time, and we were helped by the Home Mission Fund.  The Church grew in membership, and we all had to learn about Baptist traditions, but we were all one in the ability to adjust under the leading of the Holy Spirit to changing circumstances.
Stewart and Joan retired and with Edwin Green (Area Moderator), we began the search for another Minister.

Ken, Lorna, their son Jim and Ken's Mum Marian have now been with us for over 2 years, though it is with sadness

we record that Marian died in May 2009.
We are now entering into spiritual “Harvest Time” at Cornerstone.  It will be different, but it is still an exciting adventure; it is traditional yet modern.