Cornerstone expands to meet Christian retail demand
By Paula Allen

Paula Allen
For several months now, copies of The Bible Guys have been available at some of the Christian bookstores in the greater Springfield-Hadley area in Massachusetts. As I have been distributing them each month, I have become acquainted with our brothers and sisters who own and manage these bookstores. Each has graciously extended to us the use of a rack or shelf on which to display our newsletters. It has been a rewarding experience as I come to know those who share in an outreach for the Lord.

Now in its 7th year of serving the Christian community in the Pioneer Valley, the Cornerstone Christian Bookstore is under the ownership of Larry White. Originally located on Main St. in Agawam, MA, in February, 1997 the store moved to its present location in the same town. Karen Gladwin has been the store?s manager since its inception. Laurel, Larry?s mother, has also been at the store on a daily basis, caringly tending to customer?s needs. A second branch of the Cornerstone opened in Hadley eight months later, in November of 1997. Jenny Sullivan has been the manager of this location.

Cornerstone Bookstore, Agawam, Ma

There have been some changes in the past month. After much prayer and discussion, the Cornerstone Christian Stores and the Christian Bookstore, Inc. of Springfield have merged. Brother Larry continues to retain ownership of the stores. Karen and Laurel continue as a team with Karen assuming the additional responsibility of managing the Springfield store. Most of her time is now spent in Springfield, with Laurel continuing as the anchor in Agawam. Since the opening of the Springfield store, also, Jenny and her husband Tom have assumed ownership of the Hadley location, and they continue to run it. It is now opened as the Upper Room Cornerstore.

In contrast to the Springfield store which is located at the busy intersection of Wilbraham Road and Parker Street, the Agawam store in nestled between like-sized businesses off of Rte. 147. This latter store features a special "$5.00 Demo Sale" on selected CD?s and cassettes. I had an enjoyable time last month as I looked over the store?s music selections, and even purchased several for myself.
The Christian Bookstore, Springfield, Ma
The Springfield store, already in business for over 55 years, advertises as "Your One Stop Christian Super Store." It specializes in carrying a full line of Christian home-schooling materials. On-line ordering is also available through the Cornerstone?s website at www.godlygoods.com.

Brother Larry shares that he is in the process of formulating plans for future special product lines. He says he is excited about the recent changes and looks forward to how God may be directing him. I pray that God will continue to bless their efforts, as we also expand our outreach in the Springfield area.