By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Officials from the Cornerstone Christian Academy recently received a donation of $30,000 from the members of the Washburn Baptist Church that will go a long way in helping the school move forward with plans to establish a larger facility in the Star City.
“The First Baptist Church of Washburn announced a ‘$30,000 in 30 days’ challenge to benefit Cornerstone Christian Academy. This small-town church, with an average weekly attendance of 15 people, located in the heart of a community of about 1,500 people, has taken a significant step of faith. They have committed to donating $30,000 to Cornerstone and would like to see that matched before the end of April,” said Troy Heald, chair of the CCA promotion/fund-raising committee.
“This will really kick the project into high gear. The funds are being given in hopes of encouraging others to give as well,” said Heald.
According to Heald, the leadership of the church “feels that they want to do something for the school.”
“Even though they have no children in attendance at the church, they see the benefit that private, Christian education has for the young people of central Aroostook County for now and into the future. The congregation knows they can’t do a lot physically, but they can make this donation in hopes of spurring others to do the same,” he said.
The gift was presented during the morning worship service at the church on Sunday, April 3, with many of the students, staff and CCA board members present.
“The children sang songs, quoted memorized scripture and thanked the church for their support of them,” noted Heald.
Heald described Cornerstone as a “non-profit, non-denominational, private education school located in Presque Isle that has been operating for five years.”
“The facility currently has 42 students and that number is growing. For the past five years, we’ve been leasing space from a church in Presque Isle (Family Christian Center, on the Caribou Road), but this coming fall, CCA officials and students will be moving to a facility all their own for the upcoming school year and beyond,” said Heald.
This new location is news in and of itself, according to Heald, because this location is being provided by another supporter.
“The anonymous supporter has purchased the building for the school and will provide it for the school’s use until school officials can purchase the facility themselves,” said Heald, adding officials were recently presented with the keys to the former Jehovah’s Witness facility at the intersection of the Jamison Road and U.S. Route 1, south of the city.
Heald said the new location will need to be modified and a building project will need to be started — beginning as soon as possible.
“This gift and the money raised through this challenge will help the school get these things accomplished. The students are so excited about this challenge, that they have set a goal to raise $1,000 themselves during the month to go towards this goal,” said Heald.
Heald explained there are a number of ways interested individuals can help advance the project, from volunteering to making donations.
“You can go to the school’s website, www.cornerstoneme.com, and download a pledge form. You can contact the school at 768-6222, or just mail your ‘challenge’ gift to: Cornerstone Christian Academy, P.O. Box 743, Presque Isle, ME 04769,” said Heald.
Cornerstone is a 501c3, non-profit organization and receipts will be provided.
Heald said officials with the school are confident and optimistic they’ll be able to reach their goal.
“We know not everyone will be able to support at the level of $30,000 like this small church has been able to do. However, we are confident there are at least 30 total individuals, churches, businesses or other organizations that can offer support of $1,000 or more,” said Heald, acknowledging there are many more that can’t give that much but can still make a difference.
“There are many who can’t give to that level, but we know that any gift of any amount will bring us closer to this matching level. So, the question the First Baptist Church of Washburn has for you is, ‘What can you do?’” said Heald.
As of Tuesday, the organization had raised $3,095 of their $30,000 goal. To keep up to date on the challenge, visit CCA’s Facebook page or go to the website, www.cornerstoneme.com.
