We are offering to sell up to 600,000 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, which we refer to in this prospectus as the “Series A Preferred Stock,” at a price of $25.00 per share. The annual cash dividend on each share of Series A Preferred Stock is $2.50, which is equal to 10% of the original issue price of $25.00 per share of Series A Preferred Stock (subject to adjustment as described herein), and is payable quarterly in arrears, if, as and when declared, and subject to regulatory approval, on the 15th day of February, May, August and November that immediately follows the end of the Dividend Period (as defined herein) to which such dividends relate. Any dividend payable on shares of Series A Preferred Stock that is not declared by our board of directors or paid will accumulate from the Initial Dividend Commencement Date (as defined herein).

Each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be convertible at your option at any time into five shares of our Common Stock, which we refer to herein as the “conversion rate” (subject to adjustment as described herein), reflecting an initial conversion price of $5.00 per share of Common Stock. The shares of Series A Preferred Stock are also convertible at our option, in whole or in part, into shares of our Common Stock at the conversion rate, at any time on or after July 31, 2015 if the closing price (as defined herein) of our Common Stock equals or exceeds 150% of the conversion price on each of the 30 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date we give notice of our election to so convert. Cash will be paid in lieu of issuing any fractional shares. Subject to prior regulatory approval, the Series A Preferred Stock is also redeemable by us, in whole or in part, at any time after July 31, 2015 for a redemption price equal to the original issue price plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends. All shares of our Common Stock issued upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock will be freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except for shares purchased by our “affiliates.”

This offering will be made to our shareholders, to our and Cornerstone Community Bank’s (our subsidiary) officers, directors and employees, and to the public through any eligible broker or dealer named in a subscription agreement as having assisted the subscriber in making the investment, whom we collectively refer to in this prospectus as the “Offerees.” We are offering these shares on a “first come, first served” basis. We do not intend to sell fewer than 100 shares or more than 100,000 shares to any person, although we reserve the right to make exceptions in our sole discretion. The offering of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to the Offerees is being made primarily through the efforts of our directors and executive officers, but may also be sold through eligible brokers or dealers at a price of $25.00 per share for which we will pay a commission equal to 2.0% of that amount. Unless extended or terminated earlier by us in our sole discretion, this offering will terminate on December 31, 2012.

We will conduct the offering solely on a best efforts, no minimum basis, which means there are no purchase commitments from underwriters and no minimum number of shares that must be sold in the offering in order to accept subscriptions and close the offering. With respect to shares offered, all funds will be placed in a segregated account at Cornerstone Community Bank pending our acceptance of the associated subscriptions. Accordingly, we may raise less than $15,000,000 in the offering and the funds from any subscriptions we accept will be immediately available to us. As soon as practicable after the acceptance of any subscription, we will cause to be sent certificates for shares of Series A Preferred Stock representing the subscriptions accepted by us. If the offering is not completed, or if any part of your subscription is not accepted, your funds will be returned, without interest, as soon as practicable. We reserve the right to amend or terminate the offering at any time.

Prior to this offering, there has not been a public market for the shares of Series A Preferred Stock. We anticipate that the shares of Series A Preferred Stock will be quoted in the over-the-counter market and, thus, that a secondary, though limited, market may develop for the shares sold in this offering. Our Common Stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol CSBQ. On May 3, 2012, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock was $1.75 per share.

Investing in the Series A Preferred Stock involves a high degree of risk which is described in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 10 of this prospectus.

The following table presents an estimate of the average per share proceeds to us and the maximum potential proceeds to us if the offering is fully subscribed, assuming payment of the 2.0% commission on 50% of the shares sold.

As of March 31, 2012, we have sold 425,369 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and have paid aggregate commissions on $46,970. As of May 31, 2012, we have declared and paid six dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock. All dividends are currently subject to prior regulatory approval by the Federal Reserve Bank and all future dividends, if any, will be subject to prior regulatory approval. In subsequent dividend periods, we have neither sought regulatory approval or paid dividends.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

It is important for you to read and consider all of the information contained in this prospectus before making your investment decision. You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and any related free writing prospectus that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Commission. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with additional or different information. If anyone provides you with additional or different information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell our Series A Preferred Stock in any jurisdiction in which the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover page of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of our Series A Preferred Stock. Our business, financial condition and results of operations may have changed since that time.

In this prospectus we rely on and refer to information and statistics regarding the banking industry and banking markets in Georgia and Tennessee. We obtained this market data from independent publications or other publicly available information. Although we believe these sources are reliable, we have not independently verified and do not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this information.

No action is being taken in any jurisdiction outside the United States to permit a public offering of our Series A Preferred Stock or possession or distribution of this prospectus in that jurisdiction. Persons who come into possession of this prospectus in jurisdictions outside the United States are required to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions as to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus applicable to those jurisdictions.

In this prospectus, we frequently use the terms “we”, “our”, “us” and the “Company” to refer to Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc., including our wholly owned subsidiary, Cornerstone Community Bank, except where it is clear that the terms mean only Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. To understand the offering fully and for a more complete description of the offering you should read this entire document carefully, including particularly the “RISK FACTORS” section beginning on page 11.

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. It may not contain all of the information you should consider before investing in the Series A Preferred Stock. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, and particularly consider our financial statements, the notes thereto and the section on Risk Factors, before deciding to invest in the shares of Series A Preferred Stock offered under this prospectus.

Bank Holding Company Structure and Operations

Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. is a Tennessee-chartered bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We conduct our operations primarily through our wholly owned subsidiary, Cornerstone Community Bank.

Cornerstone Community Bank (the “Bank”) is a Tennessee banking corporation emphasizing personal service to businesses and households located within the Chattanooga, Tennessee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The Bank has five full-service banking offices located in Hamilton County, Tennessee, and one loan production office located in Dalton, Georgia. The principal business of the Bank consists of attracting deposits from the general public and investing those funds, together with funds generated from operations and from principal and interest payments on loans, primarily in commercial loans, commercial and residential real estate loans, consumer loans, and residential and commercial construction loans. Funds not invested in the loan portfolio are invested by the Bank primarily in obligations of the U.S. Government, U.S. Government agencies, various states and their political subdivisions.

The Bank owned and operated a subsidiary, Eagle Financial, Inc. (Eagle), a finance and factoring company. On December 1, 2011, the Bank elected to transfer the operations, assets and liabilities of Eagle into the Bank. The transfer allowed the Bank to combine the operations of Eagle with the Bank’s asset based lending department. As a result, the Bank formed Eagle Financial, a division of Cornerstone Community Bank. The Bank maintains the existence of this subsidiary in an inactive status.

As of December 31, 2011, we had total assets of $422.7 million, $260.4 million of loans net of unearned interest and loan loss allowance and shareholders’ equity of $35.2 million.

Market and Competition

The banking business is highly competitive and we experience competition in our markets from many other financial institutions. The Bank competes actively with over 20 commercial banks, as well as finance companies, credit unions and other financial institutions located in its service area, which includes Hamilton County, Tennessee.

Based on information most recently made available as of December 31, 2011, the Bank’s deposits totaled approximately $314 million. The deposit base represents approximately 4% of the deposit base in the Chattanooga, Tennessee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Three major regional banks represent approximately 60% of the deposits in the Chattanooga, Tennessee MSA. These larger financial institutions have greater resources, higher lending limits than the Bank, and each of the three institutions has over 20 branches in the Chattanooga, Tennessee MSA.

Market Segment

The Bank’s primary market segment is businesses with annual sales of $1 million to $50 million and households attracted to our increased focus on customer service and personal touch. To succeed in this competitive market segment, we have attracted highly trained and experienced lending specialists that can advise business owners with respect to financial and strategic goals and recommended structures that can be implemented to accomplish their goals. Tools the Bank uses to accomplish this service include general commercial credit products, such as lines of credit, term loans and cash management programs, as well as, asset based lending and Small Business Administration lending programs.

Business Strategy

The Bank competes for deposits principally by offering depositors a variety of deposit programs with competitive interest rates, quality service and convenient locations and hours. The Bank intends to continue to focus its resources to seek out and attract small business relationships and take advantage of its ability to provide flexible service that meets the needs of this customer class. We feel this market niche is the most promising business area for the future growth of the Bank.

Supervision and Regulation

As a bank holding company, we are registered with and regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). We are also required to comply with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under federal securities laws. As a Tennessee-chartered commercial bank, the Bank is subject to the supervision and regulation of the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions (the “TDFI”). Because the Bank’s deposit accounts are insured up to the applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the Bank is also subject to the supervision and regulation of the FDIC.

Recent Developments Giving Rise to this Offering

As a result of negative developments over the past few years in the capital and credit markets generally and in the local areas in which we operate particularly, we have experienced significant declines in our asset quality. Resultant loan losses and related provision expenses greatly reduced our earnings in 2007, 2008, and 2009 and led to a net loss of $4.7 million in 2010. Coupled with our continued payments of cash dividends throughout 2007 and 2008 and the first two quarters of 2009, these losses caused material deterioration in the Bank’s capital levels. To assist the Bank in maintaining regulatory capital levels, we drew funds under our line of credit facility with Silverton Bank, N.A. to fund contributions to the Bank’s capital during 2007 and 2008. In March 2009, the line of credit was reworked into two holding company loans (a revolving line of credit and a term loan). However, due to the continuing decline in our financial condition during 2009, we were unable to maintain compliance with certain financial covenants contained in the credit facility agreement relating to these holding company loans. The loans are secured by our pledge of 100% of the Bank’s common stock. In May 2009, Silverton Bank, N.A. was closed by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the FDIC, which was named receiver, formed Silverton Bridge Bank, N.A. to take over its operations. The FDIC subsequently notified us that our holding company loans could be sold in the open market. In January 2010, the loans were renewed and Cornerstone received a waiver regarding previous covenant violations through December 31, 2009 and they had an aggregate outstanding balance of approximately $5.25 million as of May 31, 2010. Because we did not receive further waivers, our independent registered public accounting firm stated in its opinion with regard to our 2009 financial statements substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. However, on March 29, 2011, Cornerstone received an additional waiver regarding all previous covenant violations in existence through December 31, 2010 and a waiver of any covenant violation that occured through December 31, 2011. In consideration for such additional waivers, Cornerstone agreed to, among other things, pay in full the outstanding principal balance in the amount of $750,000 of one of the two outstanding notes. On March 28, 2012, we received an additional waiver of covenant compliance thresholds for 2012, conditioned upon the following: (1) we will continue to provide covenant compliance certificates to the Lender, (2) the Bank will limit its dividend payments to amounts necessary to service the term loan and line of credit and to pay income taxes, and (3) we paid a processing fee of $25,000. Therefore, as of April 1, 2012, Cornerstone has only one outstanding loan in the principal amount of approximately $2.6 million and our independent auditors have issued unqualified opinions with regard to our 2010 and 2011 financial statements without a going concern consideration. See “RECENT DEVELOPMENTS — Asset Quality Deterioration and Covenant Considerations Under the Company Loan.”

On November 12, 2009, following a joint examination of the Bank by the FDIC and the TDFI commenced on October 8, 2009, the FDIC presented us with a letter noting that the Bank had been downgraded from a “well capitalized” to an “adequately capitalized” position within the meaning of applicable FDIC regulations as a result of the decline in the Bank’s capital levels as of September 30, 2009. As a result, the FDIC, among other things, placed restrictions on the Bank’s ability to pay cash dividends, requiring that the Bank first obtain a non-objection from the FDIC. Therefore, we have not received dividends from the Bank since November 12, 2009, which has impaired our ability to service our indebtedness under our holding company loans and contributed to the developments described above. Due to an increase in earnings and a reduction in risk-based assets, the Bank returned to a “well capitalized” position under the FDIC regulations as of March 31, 2010, but is now subject to higher capital requirements under the FDIC and TDFI enforcement actions discussed below. See “RECENT DEVELOPMENTS — Joint Examination of the Bank and Downgrade in its Capital Position.”

Following the issuance of a written report by the FDIC and the TDFI concerning their joint examination of the Bank in October 2009, the Bank entered a consent order with the FDIC on April 2, 2010 and a written agreement with the TDFI on April 8, 2010, each concerning areas of the Bank’s operations identified in the report as warranting improvement and presenting substantially similar plans for making those improvements. The consent order and written agreement, which we collectively refer to as the “Action Plans” in this prospectus, among other things, prohibit the Bank from declaring or paying cash dividends without the written consent of the FDIC and the TDFI, and further require that the Bank develop and implement a number of specified written plans, policies and procedures. In addition, the Action Plans require the Bank to prepare and implement a written capital plan to increase its Tier 1 capital and to achieve and maintain specified capital ratios that exceed the requirements for “well capitalized” institutions under current FDIC regulations. For a detailed discussion of the requirements of the Action Plans, see “RECENT DEVELOPMENTS — FDIC and TDFI Enforcement Actions.” The Action Plans will remain in effect until modified or terminated by the FDIC or the TDFI, as the case may be. To date, we have fully and timely complied with the requirements of the Action Plans.

Also as a result of the October 2009 joint examination, we received a letter dated March 30, 2010 from our primary banking regulator, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (the “Federal Reserve Bank”). The letter directs us to obtain the written approval of the Federal Reserve Bank before we (i) incur any indebtedness; (ii) declare or pay any dividends; (iii) redeem any corporate stock; or (iv) make any other payment representing a reduction in our capital, except for the payment of normal and routine operating expenses. The letter notes that we are in “troubled condition” under Regulation Y as a result of the Bank’s condition. Therefore, we are required to give notice to the Federal Reserve Bank before we undertake any changes in senior executive management or directorships, and to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Bank (with the written concurrence of the FDIC) before we grant or enter into any agreement to provide a golden parachute or severance payment.

In light of the foregoing developments, we are conducting this offering to raise the capital necessary to: (i) fund the payments of the dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, (ii) fund anticipated holding company expenses, including debt service, and (iii) provide the balance, if any, as additional capital to the Bank so that it may meet the capital levels required under the Action Plans. See “USE OF PROCEEDS.”

Trading Market

Our Common Stock is quoted on the OTCBB, but it is not listed on a national securities exchange. Because our Common Stock is not listed for trading on any national securities exchange there may be a limited market for these shares, including any shares of Common Stock acquired upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock. The trading symbol for our Common Stock is CSBQ.

Our principal executive offices are located at 835 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402, and our telephone number is (423) 385-3000. Our internet address is www.cscbank.com. The information that is contained on or that may be accessed through our website does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

The Offering

Issuer		Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc.

Shares Offered		Up to 600,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. As of March 31, 2012, we have sold 425,369 shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

Offering Price		$25.00 per share. The offering price was established by management and the board of directors after consideration of a number of factors. See “Determination of Offering Price” at 22.

Liquidation Preference		The sum of (i) the original issue price of $25.00 per share of Series A Preferred Stock (subject to adjustment as described in this prospectus) and (ii) the amount of all accumulated and unpaid dividends.

Maturity		Perpetual.

Dividends; Restrictions on Dividends		10% per annum on the original issue price of $25.00 per share of Series A Preferred Stock (subject to adjustment as described in this prospectus), which is initially equal to $2.50 per annum per share. Dividends on shares of Series A Preferred Stock are cumulative from the Initial Dividend Commencement Date (as defined herein) and are payable in cash quarterly in arrears, if, as and when declared, on the 15th day of February, May, August and November of each year that immediately follows the end of the Dividend Period (as defined herein) to which such dividends relate. The foregoing defined terms are set forth in DESCRIPTION OF THE SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK — Dividends” at page 40. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock have a priority on the receipt of dividends relative to the holders of our junior securities, including our Common Stock. Until we have declared and paid or set aside for full payment of the quarterly dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock for all past dividend periods, we may not declare or pay dividends on shares of securities junior to, or purchase or redeem shares of securities on parity with or junior to, the Series A Preferred Stock. See “DESCRIPTION OF THE SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK — Dividends” at page 40. Pursuant to its letter dated March 30, 2010, the Federal Reserve Bank has restricted our ability to declare or pay any dividends. Therefore, dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock will accumulate and will not be declared or paid until such time as the Federal Reserve Bank may terminate or waive this restriction. As of May 31, 2012, we have declared and paid six dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock with approval of the Federal Reserve Bank. However, we cannot predict whether we will be in a position or able to pay dividends in the future.

Conversion by Holder		The holders of Series A Preferred Stock will have the right to convert, at any time and at their option, some or all of their shares of Series A Preferred Stock into shares of our Common Stock at the then applicable conversion rate. Subject to future adjustment as described in this prospectus, each share of Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into five shares of our Common Stock (which reflects an initial conversion price of $5.00 per share of Common Stock). See “Description of the Series A Preferred Stock — Optional Conversion Rights” beginning at page 43.

Conversion by Us		We may, at our option, at any time on or after July 31, 2015, cause some or all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted into shares of our Common Stock at the then applicable conversion rate if the closing price of our Common Stock equals or exceeds 150% of the then applicable conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock on each of the 30 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date we give notice of our election to so convert. See “Description of the Series A Preferred Stock — Mandatory Conversion Rights” beginning at page 43.

Redemption		Subject to prior approval by the Federal Reserve, the Series A Preferred Stock is redeemable, in whole or in part, at our option at any time after July 31, 2015 for a redemption price equal to the original issue price of $25.00 per share of Series A Preferred Stock, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends. See “Description of the Series A Preferred Stock — Redemption” at page 42.

Ranking		The Series A Preferred Stock will be, with respect to dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up: (i) junior to all our existing and future debt obligations; (ii) junior to any future class or series of capital stock, the terms of which expressly provide that it ranks senior to the Series A Preferred Stock; (iii) on a parity with any future class or series of capital stock, the terms of which expressly state that such class ranks on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock; and (iv) senior to our Common Stock and any other class or series of capital stock, the terms of which do not expressly provide that it ranks senior to or on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock. See “Description of the Series A Preferred Stock — Ranking” beginning at page 41.

Voting		The holders of Series A Preferred Stock will have no voting rights except as required by law.

Offering Period		Our shareholders, our and the Bank’s officers, directors and employees, and the public through eligible brokers and dealers will be offered the opportunity to purchase the shares of Series A Preferred Stock on a “first come, first served” basis. Unless extended or terminated by us in our sole discretion, this offering will terminate December 31, 2012. See “The Offering” beginning at page 23.

Commissions		We expect to pay a commission equal to 2.0% of the offering price for shares sold through eligible brokers and dealers. As of March 31, 2012, we had paid aggregate commissions of $49,070.

No Minimum Offering		We have conducted and will continue to conduct the offering solely on a best efforts, no minimum basis, which means there is no minimum number of shares that must be purchased in the offering. As of March 31, 2012, we have sold 425,369 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. We may raise less than $15,000,000 in the offering and the funds from any subscriptions will be immediately available to us. We may amend or terminate the offering at any time. See “The Offering” beginning at page 23.

Use of Proceeds		If the offering is fully subscribed, the net proceeds of the offering will be approximately $14,643,930, depending on the amount of the actual expenses incurred. We have used and intend to use such proceeds as follows: (i) fund the payments of the dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, (ii) fund anticipated holding company expenses, including debt service and (iii) provide the balance, if any, as additional capital to the Bank so that it may meet the capital levels required under the Action Plans. See “Use of Proceeds” at page 21.

Shares Outstanding as of March 31, 2012 (1)		6,500,396 shares of Common Stock. 425,369 shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

Shares Outstanding After this Offering(1)		6,500,396 shares of Common Stock. 600,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, assuming the sale of all offered shares, which are initially convertible into 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock. 9,500,396 shares of Common Stock on a fully converted basis.

Subscription Procedures		If you want to subscribe for shares of Series A Preferred Stock, you must complete the subscription agreement which accompanies this prospectus and send the completed subscription agreement, with payment of the aggregate offering price for the shares you want to purchase, to Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. Your subscription agreement and payment must be received by us before the termination of the offering. If you use the mail to submit your order form, we recommend that you use registered mail, return receipt requested. See “The Offering — How to Subscribe” beginning at page 23. All funds tendered for the purchase of Series A Preferred Stock in the offering will be held in a segregated account at the Bank. Your subscription funds will not be released to us or for our use or commingled with our funds unless your subscription is accepted and shares are to be issued to you with respect to your funds.

No Revocation		You may not revoke your subscription after we receive your subscription agreement. See “The Offering — How to Subscribe” beginning at page 23.

Regulatory Limitation		We will not issue Series A Preferred Stock in the offering to any person who, in our opinion, would be required to obtain prior clearance or approval from any state or federal bank regulatory authority to own or control such shares if such clearance or approval has not been obtained or any required waiting period has not expired prior to our termination of the offering. See “The Offering — Regulatory Limitation” at page 24.

(1)

The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding excludes 919,850 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options as of March 31, 2012, with a weighted average exercise price of $3.77 per share.

Purchases by Directors and Executive Officers		We contemplate that all of our directors and a majority of our executive officers will invest in the offering, but we presently do not know how many shares of Series A Preferred Stock they intend to purchase. As of March 31, 2012, they had purchased 29,120 shares as a group. See “The Offering — Purchases by Directors, Executive Officers and Others” at page 24. Our directors and executive officers currently beneficially own approximately 17.85% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.

No Board Recommendations		Any investment in our Series A Preferred Stock must be made pursuant to your evaluation of your best interests. Accordingly, our board of directors does not make any recommendation to you regarding whether you should purchase our Series A Preferred Stock.

Risk Factors		Before investing, you should carefully review the information contained under “Risk Factors” beginning at page 10 for a discussion of the risks related to an investment in our Series A Preferred Stock.

Questions on Subscription Procedures		You should direct any questions concerning the procedure for subscribing to Frank Hughes at Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. You may telephone Frank Hughes at (423) 385-3000.

SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth summary consolidated financial data for us for the periods and at the dates indicated. The summary consolidated financial data have been derived from our audited financial statements for each of the five years that ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007. Certain of the measures set forth below are not measures recognized under generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, under the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission. For a discussion of management’s reasons to present such data and a reconciliation to GAAP, please see “— GAAP Reconciliation and Management Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below. You should read the detailed information and the financial statements included elsewhere in the prospectus. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of future results.

	At and for the Fiscal Years Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009			2008			2007
Total interest income	$	20,494		$	25,211		$	26,308		$	30,680		$	34,784
Total interest expense		6,362			9,202			11,189			12,698			14,414
Net interest income		14,132			16,009			15,119			17,982			20,370
Provision for loan losses		445			7,291			14,899			3,498			10,409
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		13,687			8,718			220			14,484			9,961
Noninterest income		1,183			3,081			2,327			1,887			1,695
Noninterest expense		13,652			18,042			16,062			12,563			10,926
Income before income taxes		1,218			(6,243	)		(13,515	)		3,808			730
Income tax expense / (benefit)		188			(1,535	)		(5,336	)		1,296			(141	)
Net income (loss)	$	1,030		$	(4,708	)	$	(8,179	)	$	2,512		$	871

Per Common Share Data:
Net income / (loss), basic	$	0.05		$	(0.73	)	$	(1.26	)	$	0.39		$	0.13
Net income / (loss), assuming dilution	$	0.05		$	(0.73	)	$	(1.26	)	$	0.38		$	0.12
Cash dividends paid	$	—		$	—		$	0.10		$	0.28		$	0.22
Book value	$	3.89		$	3.55		$	4.28		$	5.78		$	5.70
Tangible book value	$	3.89		$	3.55		$	3.89		$	5.33		$	5.24

Financial Condition Data:
Assets	$	422,655		$	441,499		$	532,404		$	471,803		$	444,421
Loans, net of unearned interest and allowance	$	260,365		$	276,115		$	330,787		$	378,472		$	369,883
Cash and investments	$	127,332		$	133,651		$	164,982		$	57,286		$	51,798
Federal funds sold	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	11,025		$	—
Deposits	$	314,042		$	335,447		$	404,742		$	326,583		$	313,250
FHLB advances and other borrowings	$	43,045		$	54,715		$	72,350		$	71,250		$	47,100
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements	$	29,391		$	24,325		$	26,322		$	35,790		$	41,560
Shareholders’ equity	$	35,208		$	25,819		$	27,837		$	36,502		$	36,327
Tangible shareholders’ equity	$	35,186		$	25,782		$	25,258		$	33,661		$	33,386

Selected Ratios:
Interest rate spread		3.36	%		3.24	%		2.95	%		3.67	%		4.51	%
Net interest margin		3.55	%		3.43	%		3.27	%		4.16	%		5.22	%
Return on average assets		0.24	%		(0.94	)%		(1.69	)%		0.55	%		0.21	%
Return on average equity		3.46	%		(15.79	)%		(24.34	)%		6.71	%		2.14	%
Return on average tangible equity		3.46	%		(15.81	)%		(26.36	)%		7.26	%		2.31	%
Average equity to average assets		6.91	%		5.95	%		6.93	%		8.27	%		9.86	%
Common stock dividends payout ratio		N/A			N/A			N/A			70.59	%		149.71	%
Ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets		6.26	%		5.99	%		3.36	%		1.48	%		0.40	%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans		93.90	%		66.98	%		80.24	%		226.23	%		791.16	%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to total average loans, net of unearned income		2.71	%		2.93	%		1.63	%		2.49	%		3.88	%

GAAP Reconciliation and Management Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Certain financial information included in our summary consolidated financial data is determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are “tangible book value per share,” “tangible shareholders’ equity,” and “return on average tangible equity.” Our management uses these non-GAAP measures in its analysis of our financial performance.

“Tangible book value per common share” is defined as total equity reduced by recorded preferred stock, goodwill and other intangible assets divided by total common shares outstanding. This measure is important to investors interested in changes from period-to-period in book value per common share exclusive of changes in intangible assets. Goodwill, an intangible asset that is recorded in a purchase business combination, has the effect of increasing total book value while not increasing the tangible assets of a company. For companies such as us that have engaged in business combinations, purchase accounting can result in the recording of significant amounts of goodwill related to such transactions.

“Tangible shareholders’ equity” is shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets.

“Return on average tangible equity” is defined as earnings for the period divided by average equity reduced by average goodwill and other intangible assets.

These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP, and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures which may be presented by other companies. The following table presents a reconciliation to provide a more detailed analysis of these non-GAAP performance measures:

	At and for the Fiscal Years Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009			2008			2007
Number of common shares outstanding		6,500,396			6,500,396			6,500,396			6,319,718			6,369,718

Total shareholders’ equity	$	35,208,305		$	25,819,153		$	27,837,479		$	36,501,509		$	36,327,350
Less: Preferred Stock		9,899,544			2,727,424			-			-			-
Book Value	$	25,308,761		$	23,091,729		$	27,837,479		$	36,501,509		$	36,327,350
Book value per share	$	3.89		$	3.55		$	4.28		$	5.78		$	5.70

Book value	$	25,308,761		$	23,091,729		$	27,837,479		$	36,501,509		$	36,327,350
Less: goodwill and other intangible assets		22,487			37,317			2,579,211			2,840,773			2,941,798
Tangible book value		25,286,274			23,054,412			25,258,268			33,660,736			33,385,552
Effect of intangible assets per common share	$	-		$	-		$	0.39		$	0.45		$	0.46

Tangible book value per common share	$	3.89		$	3.55		$	3.89		$	5.33		$	5.24

Net income / (loss)	$	1,030,052		$	(4,707,521	)	$	(8,178,639	)	$	2,511,824		$	871,152
Average equity		29,740,000			29,820,000			33,600,000			37,435,000			40,737,000
Return on average equity		3.46	%		(15.79	)%		(24.34	)%		6.71	%		2.14	%

Average equity	$	29,740,000		$	29,820,000		$	33,600,000		$	37,435,000		$	40,737,000
Less: goodwill and other intangible assets		22,487			37,317			2,579,211			2,840,773			2,941,798
Average tangible equity	$	29,717,513		$	29,782,683		$	31,020,789		$	34,594,227		$	37,795,202
Effect of intangible assets		(0.01	)%		(0.02	)%		(2.02	)%		0.55	%		0.17	%
Return on average tangible equity		3.47	%		(15.81	)%		(26.36	)%		7.26	%		2.31	%

An investment in our Series A Preferred Stock involves risk, and you should not invest in our stock unless you can afford to lose some or all of your investment. You should carefully read the risks described below before you decide to buy any of our Series A Preferred Stock. Our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed by any of the following risks.

The Series A Preferred Stock is subordinated to our obligations to creditors and will rank junior to all of our and our subsidiaries’ liabilities in the event of bankruptcy, liquidation or the winding-up of assets.

The Series A Preferred Stock is subordinated to our obligations to our creditors, including our depositors. If we are in default to these creditors, you may not receive dividend payments on the Series A Preferred Stock. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or winding-up of our Company, our assets will be available to pay the liquidation preference of our Series A Preferred Stock only after all of our liabilities have been paid. In addition, our right to participate in any distribution of assets of any subsidiary, upon the subsidiary’s liquidation or otherwise, and thus your ability as a holder of our Series A Preferred Stock to benefit indirectly from such distribution, will be subject to the prior claims of creditors of that subsidiary, except to the extent that any of our claims as a creditor of such subsidiary may be recognized. As a result, our Series A Preferred Stock is also effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities and obligations of our subsidiaries. In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation or winding-up, there may not be sufficient assets remaining, after paying our and our subsidiaries’ liabilities, to pay amounts due on any or all of our Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding.

As a bank holding company, we are subject to federal regulatory oversight and may be, and currently are, prohibited from declaring or paying dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock without regulatory approval.

As a bank holding company, our ability to declare and pay dividends is dependent on certain federal regulatory considerations, including the guidelines of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or Federal Reserve, regarding capital adequacy and dividends. By letter dated March 30, 2010, the Federal Reserve Bank restricted our ability to declare and pay any dividends, including with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock, until such time as the Federal Reserve Bank may terminate this restriction or approve a request for such declaration or payment. Following requests for and receipt of regulatory approval to pay dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, we have declared and paid five dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock

We depend on dividends, distributions and other payments from the Bank, which are currently restricted, for sufficient cash flow to pay dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock and to make payments on our indebtedness.

We are a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank. Our principal source of cash flow, including cash flow to pay dividends to our shareholders and principal and interest on our outstanding indebtedness, is dividends from the Bank. The ability of the Bank to pay dividends and other distributions and to make loans to us is subject to regulatory oversight by both the FDIC and the TDFI. If the Bank is unable to make dividend payments to us and sufficient capital is not otherwise available, we may not be able to make dividend payments to our shareholders, including the holders of our Series A Preferred Stock or our Common Stock, or service our indebtedness.

The Bank is currently subject to a consent order with the FDIC and a written agreement with the TDFI, each of which prohibits the Bank from declaring or paying cash dividends without consent. These dividend restrictions will continue until such time as the Bank’s financial condition improves significantly enough for the FDIC and TDFI to terminate their respective Action Plans. Therefore, we currently do not have access to sufficient cash flow to allow us to declare and pay scheduled dividends from this source on the Series A Preferred Stock. If we are also unable to adequately service our holding company indebtedness and comply with financial covenants relating thereto or obtain a waiver for such violations, the lender has the authority to declare the loans in default and take possession of the Bank’s common stock. In that event, we could be forced into receivership or liquidation and you could lose all or part of your investment in the Series A Preferred Stock.

The purpose of this offering is to alleviate many of the conditions and concerns described in the preceding paragraph, in part, by raising sufficient capital to pay down our outstanding indebtedness under the holding company loan, which was approximately $2.6 million as of May 31, 2012. However, we cannot assure you that the proceeds we receive in this offering will be sufficient to enable such debt retirement. Further, even if we are able to retire such indebtedness, we will continue to be subject to restrictions prohibiting our declaration and payment of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock until such time as the Federal Reserve Bank may terminate or waive the same. As a bank holding company, we are subject to federal regulatory oversight and may be, and currently are, prohibited from declaring or paying scheduled dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock above.

In the event each of the foregoing restrictions and related conditions are terminated and we again have sufficient cash flow and capital resources to make scheduled dividend payments on the Series A Preferred Stock and our indebtedness, we may again in the future have such difficulty, in which case we may have to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. If we cannot make scheduled payments on our indebtedness, we could be forced into receivership or liquidation and you could lose all or part of your investment in the Series A Preferred Stock.

No broker has agreed to purchase any of the Series A Preferred Stock and we may not be able to sell all of the shares we are attempting to sell in the offering, in which case we may not be able to provide sufficient capital to the Bank to meet the capital levels required under the Action Plans and could lead to deterioration of our financial condition and further adverse regulatory action.

A significant portion of the Series A Preferred Stock is being sold directly through the efforts of our directors and executive officers. No broker, dealer or other person has any obligation to purchase, or find purchasers for, any shares of Series A Preferred Stock. Because the offering is not underwritten, there can be no assurance that any particular number of shares will be sold. As of March 31, 2012, we have sold 425,369 shares. If less than all of the shares offered are subscribed for, we will have less funds available for the uses contemplated in this prospectus, including the provision of additional capital to the Bank in an amount sufficient to meet the capital levels required under the Action Plans. See “Use of Proceeds.” Under the Action Plans, the Bank is required to implement a capital plan to increase its Tier 1 capital and achieve and maintain specified capital ratios for so long as the Action Plans remain in effect. In the event the Bank fails to maintain such capital ratios, the FDIC and the TDFI may require the Bank to implement a contingency plan that could include the requirement to sell or merge the Bank. See “RECENT DEVELOPMENTS — FDIC and TDFI Enforcement Actions.” Assuming the Bank is no longer subject to the requirements of the Action Plans, our failure to maintain the Bank as “well capitalized” for bank regulatory purposes could adversely affect customer confidence, our ability to grow, our costs of funds and FDIC insurance costs, our ability to pay dividends to shareholders, results of operation and financial condition generally. A bank that is not “well capitalized” is subject to a number of restrictions under FDIC rules not otherwise placed on “well capitalized” institutions, including its ability to accept brokered deposits and the deposit interest rates that it pays. Further, such undercapitalization may lead to adverse regulatory action, including the issuance of a consent order or related directive, such as the Action Plans to which the Bank is currently subject, and possibly to being forced into receivership.

There is currently no established public market for the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which could limit your ability to sell such shares for an amount equal to or higher than the offering price or at all.

There is no established public trading market for the Series A Preferred Stock. Although we currently anticipate that the Series A Preferred Stock will be quoted in the over-the-counter market, we cannot assure you that this market will be established. Even if established, we do not expect that an active public trading market for the Series A Preferred Stock will develop. We also cannot assure you that any such trading market will be sustained after the completion of the offering, or that holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be able to sell their Series A Preferred Stock at favorable prices or at all. Accordingly, the Series A Preferred Stock will likely have little to no liquidity and holders thereof should be prepared to hold the Series A Preferred Stock for an indefinite period. If a market for the Series A Preferred Stock develops, any such market may be discontinued at any time. If a public trading market develops for the Series A Preferred Stock, future trading prices of the Series A Preferred Stock will depend on many factors, including, among other things, the price of our Common Stock into which the Series A Preferred Stock is convertible, prevailing interest rates, our operating results and the market for similar securities.

The market for our Common Stock is limited and historically has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations, which may make it difficult for you to resell the Series A Preferred Stock or the shares of Common Stock into which the Series A Preferred Stock are convertible.

The Series A Preferred Stock will be convertible into shares of our Common Stock. Our Common Stock is currently traded on the OTC Bulletin Board, or the OTCBB, under the symbol CSBQ. The volume of trading activity in our stock is relatively limited. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of our Common Stock at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control. Given the lower trading volume of our Common Stock, significant sales of our Common Stock, or the expectation of these sales, could cause our stock price to fall. Even if a more active and liquid market develops, there can be no assurance that such market will continue, or that you will be able to sell your shares at or above the offering price.

Further, the market for our Common Stock historically has experienced and may continue to experience significant price and volume fluctuations similar to those experienced by the broader stock market in recent years. Generally, the fluctuations experienced by the broader stock market have affected the market prices of securities issued by many companies for reasons unrelated to their operating performance and may adversely affect the price of our Common Stock. In addition, our announcements of our quarterly operating results, changes in general conditions in the economy or the financial markets and other developments affecting us, our affiliates or our competitors could cause the market price of our Common Stock to fluctuate substantially.

If you hold Series A Preferred Stock, you are not entitled to any rights with respect to our Common Stock, but you are subject to all changes made with respect to our Common Stock.

If you hold Series A Preferred Stock, you are not entitled to any rights with respect to our Common Stock (including, without limitation, voting rights and rights to receive any dividends or other distributions on our Common Stock), but you are subject to all changes affecting the Common Stock. You will only be entitled to rights on the Common Stock if and when we deliver shares of Common Stock to you upon conversion of your Series A Preferred Stock. For example, if an amendment is proposed to our charter or bylaws requiring shareholder approval and the record date for determining the shareholders of record entitled to vote on the amendment occurs prior to delivery to you of the shares of Common Stock, you will not be entitled to vote on the amendment, although you will nevertheless be subject to any changes in the powers, preferences or special rights of our Common Stock.

Once you submit an executed subscription agreement together with payment of the subscription price, you may not revoke your subscription for shares in the offering.

Once you submit a properly completed subscription agreement to us for the offering, together with payment in full of the subscription price for the applicable number of shares in one of the forms prescribed, you may not revoke your subscription, even if less than all of the shares that we are offering are actually purchased. We have not established a minimum number of shares to be sold, and we intend to accept promptly all properly completed and fully paid subscriptions which are received by us up to the maximum amount of the offering.

You may suffer dilution of the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of your Series A Preferred Stock.

The number of shares of our Common Stock issuable upon conversion of your Series A Preferred Stock is subject to adjustment only for stock splits and combinations and certain other specified transactions. The number of shares of our Common Stock issuable upon conversion of your Series A Preferred Stock is not subject to adjustment for other events. See “Description of the Series A Preferred Stock — Adjustments to the Conversion Price.”

The terms of the Series A Preferred Stock do not restrict our ability to offer shares of our Common Stock in the future or to engage in other transactions that could dilute our Common Stock. We have no obligation to consider the interests of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock in engaging in any such offering or transaction. If we issue additional shares of our Common Stock, that issuance may materially and adversely affect the price of our Common Stock and, because of the relationship of the number of shares of our Common Stock you are to receive on conversion to the price of our Common Stock, such other events may adversely affect the trading price of the Series A Preferred Stock.

In the event we need additional capital, whether as a result of this offering being undersubscribed or other factors, we may conduct another offering which could result in dilution of your Common Stock upon conversion of your Series A Preferred Stock.

In the event you convert your shares of Series A Preferred Stock to Common Stock, your right to dividends on or repurchase or redemption of such Common Stock would be subject to the prior dividend rights of the holders of our outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

Holders of our Common Stock, including holders of Series A Preferred Stock whose shares are converted into Common Stock, are subject to the prior dividend rights of any holders of our Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding. As long as shares of Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding, cash dividend payments and repurchases or redemptions relating to certain equity securities, including our Common Stock, are prohibited until all accumulated and unpaid dividends for all past dividend periods are declared and paid in full (or set aside for full payment) on such Series A Preferred Stock. This could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.

There could in the future be doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern.

As of December 31, 2011, Cornerstone had one loan, currently being serviced by Midland Loan Services for the FDIC, which totaled approximately $3 million. The loan contains certain compliance covenants which include stated minimum or maximum target amounts for Cornerstone’s capital levels, the Bank’s capital levels, nonperforming asset levels at the Bank and the ability of Cornerstone to meet the required debt service coverage ratio, which is computed on the four most recent consecutive fiscal quarters. Due to the level of nonperforming assets of the Bank and not currently meeting the required debt service coverage ratio, Cornerstone was not in compliance with these two covenants at December 31, 2011. However, Cornerstone had previously obtained waivers through December 31, 2011. During March 2012, Cornerstone obtained from the FDIC a waiver of the covenant compliance requirements through December 31, 2012, granted that all payments are made in accordance with the aforementioned repayment schedule. However, if we are unable to comply with such covenants or obtain an additional waiver from the lender for violations that occur after December 31, 2012, if any, the lender may declare the loan in default and take possession of the Bank’s common stock. If this event were to occur, our assets and operations would be substantially reduced and therefore our ability to continue as a going concern would be in substantial doubt.

The Bank is subject to enforcement actions that could have a material negative effect on our business, operations, financial condition, results of operations and the value of our Series A Preferred Stock and Common Stock.

The Bank entered into a consent order with the FDIC on April 2, 2010 and a written agreement with the TDFI on April 8, 2010, which we collectively refer to in this prospectus as the Action Plans. The Action Plans are substantially similar and relate to areas of the Bank’s operations identified as warranting improvement through a joint examination of the Bank by the FDIC and the TDFI commenced on October 8, 2009. The Action Plans, among other things, prohibit the Bank from declaring or paying cash dividends without the written consent of certain officials of the FDIC and the TDFI. The Action Plans further restrict the Bank from extending additional credit to certain borrowers whose existing credit has been classified as “loss,” “doubtful” or “substandard” or has been charged off the books of the Bank and, in each case, is uncollected. In addition, the Action Plans require the Bank within 60 days after their respective effective dates to prepare and implement a written capital plan to (i) increase its Tier 1 capital to no less than 8% of the Bank’s average total assets; and (ii) achieve and maintain, after establishing a reasonable allowance for loan and lease losses, (a) its Tier 1 leverage capital ratio at not less than 8% of the Bank’s average total assets; (b) its Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio at not less than 10% of the Bank’s total risk-weighted assets; and (c) its total risk-based capital ratio at not less than 12% of the Bank’s total risk-weighted assets. Other requirements under the Action Plans primarily relate to the development and implementation of written plans, policies and procedures, including with respect to management and staffing, interest rate risk, appraisal weakness, liquidity, credit underwriting and loan administration, annual profit plan and budget, and reduction and collection of delinquent loans. For a detailed discussion of the requirements of the Action Plans, see “RECENT DEVELOPMENTS — FDIC and TDFI Enforcement Actions.” The Action Plans will remain in effect until modified or terminated by the FDIC or the TDFI, as the case may be. Generally, enforcement actions such as the Action Plans can be lifted only after subsequent examinations substantiate complete correction of the underlying issues. The Bank is required to provide written progress reports to the regulatory officials on a quarterly basis until such time as the requirements of the Action Plans have been accomplished and the Bank has been released in writing from such obligation. To date, we have fully and timely complied with the requirements of the Action Plans. While we intend to take such further actions as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of the Action Plans, we may be unable to comply fully with future deadlines or other terms of the Action Plans. Failure to adhere to the requirements of the Action Plans could result in more severe restrictions and civil monetary penalties. Should we fail to maintain the capital ratios specified in the Action Plans, the FDIC and the TDFI may require the Bank to implement a contingency plan that could include the requirement to sell or merge the Bank. If we suffer continued deterioration in our financial condition, the Bank may be subject to being placed into a federal conservatorship or receivership, in which case we probably would suffer a complete loss of the value of our ownership interest in the Bank and we subsequently may be exposed to significant claims by the FDIC and the TDFI. The terms of the Action Plans could also have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, financial condition, results of operations and the value of our Series A Preferred Stock and Common Stock.

Our loan portfolio includes residential construction and land development loans, which have a greater credit risk than residential mortgage loans.

We engage in residential construction and land development loans to developers. This type of lending is generally considered to have more complex credit risks than traditional single-family residential lending because the principal is concentrated in a limited number of loans with repayment dependent on the successful operation of the related real estate project. Consequently, these loans are more sensitive to the current adverse conditions in the real estate market and the general economy. These loans are generally less predictable and more difficult to evaluate and monitor and collateral may be difficult to dispose of in a market decline. Furthermore, during adverse general economic conditions, such as are now being experienced in residential real estate construction nationwide, borrowers involved in the residential real estate construction and development business may suffer above normal financial strain. As the residential real estate development and construction market in our markets has deteriorated, our borrowers in this segment have begun to experience difficulty repaying their obligations to us. If additional charge-offs or foreclosures relating to these loans are necessary in the future, our results of operations would be negatively impacted. Additionally, to the extent repayment is dependent upon the sale of newly constructed homes or lots, such sales are likely to be at lower prices or at a slower rate than was expected when the loan was made, which may result in such loans being placed on non-accrual status and subject to higher loss estimates even if the borrower keeps interest payments current. These adverse economic and real estate market conditions may lead to further increases in non-performing loans and other real estate owned, increased charge-offs from the disposition of non-performing assets, and increases in provision for loan losses, all of which would negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.

If our asset quality continues to decline or we continue to experience greater loan losses than anticipated, our earnings and overall financial condition will be adversely affected even further.

Our assets are primarily comprised of loans. The risk of credit losses on loans varies with, among other things, general economic conditions, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan and, in the case of a collateralized loan, the value and marketability of the collateral for the loan. While the risk of nonpayment of loans is inherent in banking, we have experienced higher nonpayment levels than anticipated, which has had a significant adverse effect on our earnings and overall financial condition. Although we have taken actions to prevent further decline, including the creation of a special asset committee to develop and review action plans for minimizing loan losses and the dedication of resources to assist in the collection and recovery process, there can be no assurance that the outcome of such actions will be successful. As required under the terms of the Action Plans to which the Bank is subject, the Bank has established a loan review committee comprised of a majority of non-employee directors to periodically review the Bank’s loan portfolio and identify and categorize problem credits. To minimize the likelihood of a substandard loan portfolio, we assess the credit worthiness of customers and perform collateral valuations. Management also maintains an allowance for loan losses based upon, among other things, historical experience and an evaluation of economic conditions and regular reviews of delinquencies and loan portfolio quality. Based upon such factors, management makes various assumptions and judgments about the ultimate collectability of the loan portfolio and provides an allowance for loan losses based upon a percentage of the outstanding balances and takes a charge against earnings with respect to specific loans when their ultimate collectability is considered questionable. If management’s assumptions and judgments prove to be incorrect and the allowance for loan losses is inadequate to absorb losses, or if regulatory authorities require us to increase our allowance for loan losses as a part of their examination process, additional provision expense would be incurred and our earnings and capital could be significantly and adversely affected. Moreover, additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic and real estate market conditions, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of management’s control. These additions may require increased provision expense which would negatively impact our results of operations.

We have increased levels of other real estate, primarily as a result of foreclosures.

As we have begun to resolve non-performing real estate loans, we have increased the level of foreclosed properties, primarily those acquired from builders and from residential land developers. Foreclosed real estate expense consists of three types of charges: maintenance costs, valuation adjustments due to new appraisal values and gains or losses on disposition. As levels of other real estate increase and also as local real estate values decline, these charges will likely increase, negatively affecting our results of operations.

Our Series A Preferred Stock will reduce net income available to holders of our Common Stock and earnings per common share.

The cash dividends paid or accumulated on our Series A Preferred Stock, and any future capital stock we may issue which is senior to our Common Stock, will reduce any net income available to holders of Common Stock and our earnings per common share. The preferred stock will also receive preferential treatment in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our Company.

We may require additional capital which may not be able to be obtained or, if obtained, may cause significant dilution to current shareholders.

We may require capital from sources other than earnings generation. Such other sources may include an offering of equity-based securities, which could significantly dilute your investment in the event of conversion. In November 2009, the FDIC downgraded the Bank’s status to an “adequately capitalized” institution, which, among other things, restricts the interest rates payable by the Bank for time deposits. We are conducting this offering, in part, to provide additional capital to the Bank to meet these elevated capital requirements. See “USE OF PROCEEDS.” In the event, however, proceeds from this offering are insufficient for such purpose, we intend to pursue additional sources of capital, which may include additional equity investments, additional offerings of equity-based securities, borrowed funds or any combination of these sources. Our ability to access these alternative capital sources may be limited due to the regulatory restrictions currently placed on us and the Bank or the condition of the capital markets. Therefore, we may have difficulty rebuilding the Bank’s capital reserves and we may provide new investors in the future certain rights, preferences and privileges senior to our current shareholders which may adversely impact our current shareholders.

Liquidity needs could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We rely on dividends from the Bank as our primary source of funds. However, in November 2009, following the conclusion of a joint examination of the Bank by the FDIC and the TDFI, the FDIC placed restrictions on the Bank’s ability to pay cash dividends, requiring that the Bank first obtain a non-objection from the FDIC. This restriction was subsequently extended in April 2010 pursuant to the Action Plans. See “RECENT DEVELOPMENTS — FDIC and TDFI Enforcement Actions.” Furthermore, the majority of the Bank’s funds are comprised of customer deposits and loan repayments. While scheduled loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, they are subject to the ability of borrowers to repay the loans. The repayment of loans can be adversely affected by a number of factors, including changes in economic conditions, adverse trends or events affecting business industry groups, reductions in real estate values or markets, business closings or lay-offs, inclement weather, natural disasters and international instability. Additionally, deposit levels may be affected by a number of factors, including rates paid by competitors, general interest rate levels, returns available to customers on alternative investments and general economic conditions. Accordingly, we currently are, and may from time to time in the future be, required to rely on secondary sources of liquidity to meet withdrawal demands or otherwise fund operations. Alternative sources include advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank and federal funds lines of credit from correspondent banks. While we believe that these sources are currently adequate, there can be no assurance they will be sufficient to meet future liquidity demands. We may be required to slow or discontinue loan growth, capital expenditures or other investments or liquidate assets if these alternative sources are not adequate.

Our success depends significantly upon economic conditions in the local markets where we operate.

Substantially all of our loan and deposit customers live, work and bank in the Chattanooga, Tennessee MSA. As a result, our success depends upon a sound local economy to provide opportunities for new business ventures, increased loan demand and the need for deposit services. Our profitability is impacted by these local factors as well as general economic conditions and interest rates. For example, our earnings may be negatively impacted by increases in unemployment rates or reductions in population, income levels, deposits and housing starts. The Chattanooga, Tennessee MSA has experienced an economic downturn characterized by falling home prices, rising foreclosures, reduced economic activity, increased unemployment and an increased level of commercial and consumer delinquencies. These adverse economic conditions have inhibited our growth and diminished the ability of some of our customers to service their loan obligations. If economic conditions in our local markets do not improve or deteriorate further, we could experience any of the following consequences, each of which could further adversely affect our business:

A prolonged economic downturn could also negatively impact collateral values or cash flows of borrowing businesses, and as a result our primary source of repayment could be insufficient to service the debt. In addition, adverse consequences to us in the event of a prolonged economic downturn in our local markets could be compounded by the fact that many of our commercial and real estate loans are secured by real estate located in those market areas. Significant decline in real estate values in these market areas would mean that the collateral for many of our loans would provide less security. As a result, we would be more likely to suffer losses on defaulted loans because our ability to fully recover on defaulted loans by selling the real estate collateral would be diminished. Adverse economic conditions in our local markets, including sustained periods of increased payment delinquencies, foreclosures or losses in the State of Tennessee or the State of Georgia, could impair our ability to collect loans and could otherwise have a negative effect on our assets, revenues, results of operations and financial condition.

Continuing negative developments in the financial services industry and U.S. and global capital and credit markets may lead to additional regulation and further deterioration of our results of operations and financial condition.

Negative developments in the capital and credit markets beginning in 2008 and continuing through the date of this prospectus have resulted in uncertainty in the financial markets. Financial institutions across the United States, including the Bank, have experienced deteriorating asset quality. Loan portfolios include impaired loans to businesses struggling to stay in operation or achieve adequate cash flow. Further a decline in collateral values supporting these loans have also impacted the ability of a business or consumer to obtain loans or increased financial institutions losses in the event of foreclosure and liquidation. At the same time financial institutions have experienced concerns regarding liquidity. This concern has increased the competition for deposits in our local market as well as wholesale funding options. These events have impacted our stock price, as well as the stock price of other bank holding companies. The potential impact of these events may be an expansion of existing or creation of new federal or state laws and regulations regarding lending and funding practices, liquidity standards and compliance issues. See, for example, “— We cannot fully predict the impact of recently enacted legislation on our business” below. Continued negative developments as well as our ability to respond to these new operating and regulatory requirements could further negatively impact our results of operations. The negative consequences could limit our ability to originate new loans or obtain adequate funding or increase costs associated with regulatory compliance. Ultimately, these changes could result in modifications to our existing or future strategic plans, capital requirements, compensation, financial performance and stock performance.

There can be no assurance that recently enacted legislation will stabilize the U.S. financial system.

Under the Temporary Liquidity Guaranty Program (“TLGP”), the FDIC will (i) guarantee, through the earlier of maturity or June 30, 2012, certain newly issued senior unsecured debt issued by participating institutions and (ii) provide unlimited FDIC deposit insurance coverage for noninterest bearing transaction deposit accounts, Negotiable Order of Withdrawal Accounts (commonly known as NOW accounts) paying less than 0.5% interest per annum and Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (commonly known as IOLTA) held at participating FDIC-insured institutions through December 31, 2009. Such unlimited insurance coverage expired and was not extended under the Dodd-Frank Act (defined below). The $250,000 deposit insurance coverage limit was scheduled to return to $100,000 on January 1, 2010, but was extended by congressional action until December 31, 2012 and the NOW and IOLTA accounts are subject to such $250,000 insurance coverage limit. Coverage under the TLG Program was available for the first 30 days without charge. The fee assessment for coverage of senior unsecured debt ranges from 50 basis points to 100 basis points per annum, depending on the initial maturity of the debt. The fee assessment for deposit insurance coverage is 10 basis points per quarter on amounts in covered accounts exceeding $250,000. The U.S. Congress enacted the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) in response to the impact of the volatility and disruption in the capital and credit markets on the financial sector. The Treasury and the federal banking regulators implemented a number of programs under this legislation to address these conditions and the asset quality, capital and liquidity issues they have caused for certain financial institutions and to improve the general availability of credit for consumers and businesses. In addition, the U.S. Congress enacted the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”) in an effort to save and create jobs, stimulate the U.S. economy and promote long-term growth and stability. The EESA and ARRA have been followed by numerous actions by the Federal Reserve, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Treasury, the FDIC, the Commission and others to address the liquidity and credit crisis that followed the sub-prime meltdown. These measures include homeowner relief that encourages loan restructuring and modification; the establishment of significant liquidity and credit facilities for financial institutions and investment banks; the lowering of the federal funds rate; emergency action against short selling practices; a temporary guaranty program for money market funds; the establishment of a commercial paper funding facility to provide back-stop liquidity to commercial paper issuers; and coordinated international efforts to address illiquidity and other weaknesses in the banking sector. The purpose of these legislative and regulatory actions is to stabilize the U.S. financial system. The TLGP, the EESA, the ARRA and the other regulatory initiatives described above may not have their desired effects. If the volatility in the markets continues and economic conditions fail to improve or worsen, our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or access to credit, as well as the trading price of our common stock, could be materially and adversely affected.

We cannot fully predict the impact of recently enacted legislation on our business.

The impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on the financial services industry will be broad, with enhanced regulatory oversight and compliance, including, among other things, (i) enhanced resolution authority of troubled and failing banks and their holding companies; (ii) increased capital and liquidity requirements; (iii) increased regulatory examination fees; (iv) changes to assessments to be paid to the FDIC for federal deposit insurance; and (v) numerous other provisions designed to improve supervision and oversight of, and strengthening safety and soundness for, the financial services sector. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act established a new framework for systemic risk and oversight in the industry which has resulted and will continue to result in sweeping changes in the regulation of financial institutions aimed at strengthening safety and soundness for the financial services sector.

We expect that many of the requirements called for in the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented over time, and most will be subject to implementing regulations over the course of several years. Given the uncertainty associated with the manner in which the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented by the various regulatory agencies and through regulations, the full extent of the impact such requirements will have on financial institutions’ operations is unclear. The changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act may impact the profitability of our business activities, require changes to certain of our business practices, impose upon us more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage ratio requirements or otherwise adversely affect our business. These changes may also require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make necessary changes in order to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements.

We are subject to federal and state regulations that impact our operations and financial performance.

We operate in a highly regulated industry and are subject to examination, supervision and comprehensive regulation by various federal and state agencies, including the Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the TDFI. Many of the banking regulations we are governed by are intended to protect depositors, the public or the insurance funds maintained by the FDIC, not shareholders. Compliance with the numerous banking regulations is costly and requires investment in human and information technology resources. Certain of our activities, such as the payment of dividends, mergers and acquisitions, investments, loans and interest rates charged, interest rates paid on deposits and locations of offices, are impacted by these regulations. We are also subject to capitalization guidelines established by banking authorities, which require us to maintain adequate capital to support our growth. To be categorized as “well capitalized,” an institution must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios.

The laws and regulations applicable to the banking industry are subject to change at any time. We cannot predict the events that will result in regulatory changes nor their impact on the banking industry in general and us in particular. Because government regulation greatly affects the business and financial results of all commercial banks and bank holding companies, the cost of compliance could adversely affect our ability to operate profitably.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission have increased the scope, complexity and cost of corporate governance, reporting and disclosure practices. These regulations are applicable to us. We have experienced, and may continue to experience, increasing compliance costs as a result of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. These necessary costs are proportionately higher for a company of our size and will affect our profitability more than that of some of our larger competitors.

We have a significant deferred tax asset and cannot assure you that it will be fully realized.

We have net deferred tax assets of $2.1 million as of December 31, 2011. We did not establish a valuation allowance against our federal net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2010 or December 31, 2011 because we believe that it is more likely than not that all of these assets will be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, we estimated future taxable income based on management prepared forecasts. This process required significant judgment by management about matters that are by nature uncertain. If future events differ significantly from our current forecasts, we may need to establish a valuation allowance, which could have a material temporary adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Competition from financial institutions and other financial service providers may adversely affect our profitability.

The banking business is highly competitive and we experience competition in each of our markets from many other financial institutions. We compete with other commercial banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market funds, and other mutual funds, as well as other community banks and super-regional and national financial institutions that operate offices in our primary market areas and elsewhere.

Additionally, we face competition from de novo community banks, including those with senior management who were previously affiliated with other local or regional banks or those controlled by investor groups with strong local business and community ties. These de novo community banks may offer higher deposit rates or lower cost loans in an effort to attract our customers, and may attempt to hire our management and employees.

We compete with these other financial institutions both in attracting deposits and in making loans. In addition, we have to attract our customer base from other existing financial institutions and from new residents. We expect competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry.

Changes in interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Changes in interest rates may affect our level of interest income, the primary component of our gross revenue, as well as the level of our interest expense. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including general economic conditions and the policies of various governmental and regulatory authorities. Accordingly, changes in interest rates could decrease our net interest income. Changes in the level of interest rates also may negatively affect our ability to originate real estate loans, the value of our assets and the ability to realize gains from the sale of our assets, all of which ultimately affects earnings. Economic events prompted the Federal Reserve, beginning in September 2007, to reduce its federal funds rate. Due to the rapid decline in interest rates, we were unable to recalibrate our liabilities at the same rate at which loan rates declined. As a result, the net interest margin was impacted negatively during 2009. However, the Bank has been able to improve its net interest margin over the last two years as liabilities have been repriced to lower interest rates. If the Federal Reserve’s federal funds rate remains at extremely low levels or does not increase above our interest rate floors, our funding costs may increase which will negatively impact the net interest margin and our financial performance.

We rely heavily on the services of key personnel and the unexpected loss of any of those personnel could adversely affect our operations.

We rely on the strategies and management services of Mr. Nathaniel F. Hughes. The loss of his services could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Mr. Hughes currently serves as President and Principal Executive Officer. Under the terms of the letter dated March 30, 2010 we received from the Federal Reserve Bank, however, we must first give notice to the Federal Reserve Bank before undertaking any change in our senior executive management. The steps necessary to confirm Mr. Hughes as Chief Executive Officer are being performed. We are also dependent on certain other key officers who have important customer relationships or are instrumental to our lending and depository operations. We believe that our future results will also depend upon our ability to attract and retain highly skilled and qualified personnel.

We are subject to Tennessee’s anti-takeover statutes and certain charter provisions that could decrease our chances of being acquired even if the acquisition is in the best interest of our shareholders.

As a Tennessee corporation, we are subject to various legislative acts that impose restrictions on and require compliance with procedures designed to protect shareholders against unfair or coercive mergers and acquisitions. These statutes may delay or prevent offers to acquire us and increase the difficulty of consummating any such offers, even if the acquisition would be in our shareholders’ best interests. Our charter also contains provisions which may make it difficult for another entity to acquire us without the approval of a majority of the disinterested directors on our board of directors. Secondly, the amount of common stock owned by, and other compensation arrangements with, certain of our officers and directors may make it more difficult to obtain shareholder approval of potential takeovers that they oppose. Agreements with our senior management also provide for significant payments under certain circumstances following a change in control. These compensation arrangements, together with the common stock and option ownership of our board of directors and management, could make it difficult or expensive to obtain majority support for shareholder proposals or potential acquisition proposals that the board of directors and officers oppose.

The success and growth of our operations will depend on our ability to adapt to technological changes.

The banking industry and the ability to deliver financial services is becoming more dependent on technological advancement, such as the ability to process loan applications over the Internet, accept electronic signatures, provide process status updates instantly, reliable on-line banking capabilities and other customer expected conveniences that are cost efficient to our business processes. As these technologies are improved in the future, we may, in order to remain competitive, be required to make significant capital expenditures.

We may from time to time make written or oral statements, including statements contained in this prospectus, that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). The words “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “consider,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “should,” “estimate,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but other statements may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements should be considered subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s belief as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management pursuant to “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. Such factors include, without limitation, those specifically described under “RISK FACTORS” above, as well as the following: (i) our ability to continue as a going concern, (ii) the effect of enforcement actions to which the Bank is subject, (iii) the relatively greater credit risk of residential construction and land development loans in our loan portfolio, (iv) the possibility that our asset equality will continue to decline or that we will continue to experience greater loan losses than anticipated, (v) increased levels of other real estate, primarily as a result of foreclosures, (vi) the impact of our Series A Preferred Stock on net income available to holders of our Common Stock and earnings per common share, (vii) our ability to obtain additional capital and, if obtained, the possibly significant dilution to current shareholders, (viii) the impact of liquidity needs on our results of operations and financial condition, (ix) economic conditions in the local markets where we operate, (x) the impact of continuing negative developments in the financial industry and U.S. and global capital and credit markets, (xi) uncertainty that recently enacted legislation will stabilize the U.S. financial system, (xii) the unpredictable impact of recently enacted legislation on our business, (xiii) the impact of federal and state regulations on our operations and financial performance, (xiv) whether a significant deferred tax asset we have can be fully realized, (xv) competition from financial institutions and other financial service providers, (xvi) changes in interest rates, (xvii) our ability to retain the services of key personnel, (xviii) the impact of Tennessee’s anti-takeover statutes and certain charter provisions on potential acquisitions of the holding company, (xix) our ability to adapt to technological changes and (xx) our ability to sell a substantial amount of the Series A Preferred Stock. Many of such factors are beyond Cornerstone’s ability to control or predict, and readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Cornerstone does not intend to update or reissue any forward-looking statements contained in this report as a result of new information or other circumstances that may become known to Cornerstone.

The following table sets forth the calculation of our net proceeds from the offering at the subscription price of $25.00 per share. Since the offering is not conditioned on the sale of a minimum number of shares and since it is being conducted on a best efforts basis, with no purchase commitment from any underwriter, we are presenting this information assuming in the alternative that, in addition to the sales to date, we sell 100% of the shares offered.

We have used and intend to use such proceeds as follows: (i) fund the payment of the dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, (ii) fund anticipated holding company expenses over the next 12 months, including debt service and (iii) provide the balance, if any, as additional capital to the Bank so that it may meet the capital levels required under the Action Plans.

If less than all of the shares offered are subscribed for, we will have less funds available for the uses contemplated above.

Our Series A Preferred Stock is a new issue for which there is no existing market. The offering price has been determined by management and our board of directors. In establishing the offering price, management and the board of directors considered various factors that they deemed relevant, including among other things:

NONE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR MANAGEMENT HAS EXPRESSED AN OPINION OR HAS MADE ANY RECOMMENDATION AS TO WHETHER ANY CURRENT SHAREHOLDER SHOULD PURCHASE SHARES IN THE OFFERING. ANY DECISION TO INVEST IN THE SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK MUST BE MADE BY EACH INVESTOR BASED UPON HIS OR HER OWN EVALUATION OF THE OFFERING IN THE CONTEXT OF HIS OR HER BEST INTERESTS. WE WILL NOT SEEK AN OPINION CONCERNING THE FAIRNESS OF THE OFFERING PRICE FOR ANY PERSON OR PURPOSE.

We are offering to sell up to 600,000 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock at a price of $25.00 per share. Shares have been made available to the public through our directors and executive officers and we would make the shares available to the public through any eligible broker or dealer named in a subscription agreement as having assisted the subscriber in making the investment. We do not intend to sell less than 100 shares or more than 100,000 shares to any person, although we reserve the right to make exceptions in our sole discretion. Once made, subscriptions may not be revoked by subscribers.

Shares of Series A Preferred Stock sold through eligible brokers or dealers will be sold at a price of $25.00 per share and we will pay a commission equal to 2.0% of that amount. As of March 31, 2012, we had paid aggregate commissions of $49,070. Unless extended or terminated by us in our sole discretion, this offering will terminate December 31, 2012.

We will conduct the offering solely on a best efforts, no minimum basis, which means there are no purchase commitments from underwriters and no minimum number of shares that must be sold in the offering in order to accept subscriptions and close the offering. With respect to shares offered, all funds will be placed in a segregated account at the Bank pending our acceptance of the associated subscriptions. Accordingly, we may raise less than $15,000,000 in the offering and the funds from any subscriptions we accept will be immediately available to us. As soon as practicable after the acceptance of any subscription, we will cause to be sent certificates for shares of Series A Preferred Stock representing the subscriptions accepted by us. If the offering is not completed, or if any part of your subscription is not accepted, your funds will be returned, without interest, as soon as practicable. We reserve the right to amend or terminate the offering at any time.

Each investor who desires to purchase Series A Preferred Stock in the offering should:

If payment of the subscription price is to be made by wire transfer, the following wire instructions should be used:

Cornerstone Community Bank
ABA: 061304363
FBO Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc.
Acct: 143036803

Your completed subscription agreement, together with payment in full for the number of shares for which you wish to subscribe in this offering, must be received by us prior to our termination of the offering.

DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OR IN A MANNER OTHER THAN THOSE INDICATED ABOVE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE GOOD DELIVERY TO US.

If the amount you send with your subscription is insufficient to purchase the number of shares that you indicate are being subscribed for, or if you do not specify the number of shares to be purchased, then we will treat your subscription as one to purchase shares to the full extent of the payment sent.

FAILURE TO INCLUDE THE FULL OFFERING PRICE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT MAY CAUSE US TO REJECT YOUR SUBSCRIPTION.

The method of delivery of subscription agreements and payment of the offering price will be at your election and risk. If you send your subscription by mail, we recommend that you use registered mail, return receipt requested, and that you allow a sufficient number of days to ensure delivery and clearance of payment prior to the termination date. You will be required to pay the additional postage costs relating to registered mail.

We will decide all questions concerning the timing, validity, form and eligibility of subscription agreements received and our decisions will be final and binding. We may, in our sole discretion, waive any defect or irregularity, or permit a defect or irregularity to be corrected within such time as we may determine, or reject the purported subscription. Subscription agreements will not be deemed to have been received or accepted until all irregularities have been waived or cured within such time as we determine in our sole discretion. We will not be under any duty to give a subscriber notice of any defect or irregularity in the submission of subscription agreements or incur any liability for failure to give such notification.

As of March 31, 2012, our directors and executive officers, including their affiliates, beneficially owned approximately 17.85% of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock. We contemplate that all of our directors and a majority of our executive officers will subscribe for shares of Series A Preferred Stock in this offering, but we presently do not know how many shares they intend to purchase. However, as of March 31, 2012, they had purchased 29,120 shares as a group. Each director and executive officer who purchases shares in this offering has purchased and will purchase with the intent of holding the shares as an investment.

We will not be required to issue shares of Series A Preferred Stock in the offering to any person who, in our judgment, would be required to obtain prior clearance or approval from any state or federal bank regulatory authority to own or control such shares if such clearance or approval has not been obtained or any required waiting period has not expired prior to our termination of the offering. In our sole discretion, we may conditionally accept subscriptions where the required regulatory approvals have not been received, in which case all funds received in payment of the offering price will remain in a segregated account pending the receipt of the required regulatory approvals. If we conditionally accept a subscription pending regulatory approval, and if any required regulatory approval is not received prior to the termination of this offering, you will not receive any shares in the offering and you will receive a refund of your payment of the offering price as soon as practicable by mail. You will not receive any interest on your subscription funds while they are on deposit with the Bank and any refund will be without interest. Our determination as to whether clearance or approval is required will be final and binding.

We have made a reasonable effort to comply with the securities laws of all states in the United States in which current shareholders reside. We will not provide subscription materials to any person who resides in any foreign country or in any state of the United States if we determine that compliance with the securities laws of such country or state would be impracticable, and we will not accept any subscriptions from subscribers located in those states or countries.

On March 31, 2012 Cornerstone had 6,500,396 shares of common stock outstanding. Cornerstone’s common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “CSBQ” but is not listed on a national securities exchange. There are ten market makers who provide a market for Cornerstone’s common stock.

There were 425,369 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2012. Table 2 presents information relating to dividends paid on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.

Our executive officers and directors have and will contact potential investors by correspondence informing them that we are conducting an offering of securities pursuant to the terms of a prospectus. The correspondence will direct any person interested in purchasing shares of Series A Preferred Stock offered in the offering to contact us to learn more about the offering. With respect to any person who contacts us, we will offer securities for sale by the delivery of a copy of this prospectus and a subscription agreement.

With respect to any shares not sold to Offerees, we intend to approach FINRA-registered brokers and dealers (although we intend to exclude banks that are our competitors) and invite them to offer shares of Series A Preferred Stock for sale to the public. We have not at this time invited any such brokers or dealers to offer shares of our Series A Preferred Stock. We have not at this time made a determination of which brokers and dealers we would invite to offer shares of our Series A Preferred Stock or on which terms such invitations will be made other than that we have determined that we would pay a commission equal to 2.0%.

Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. was incorporated on September 19, 1983 under the laws of the State of Tennessee. We are a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and were formerly known as East Ridge Bancshares, Inc. We are headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and have one wholly-owned subsidiary: Cornerstone Community Bank, a Tennessee banking corporation, which resulted from the merger of The Bank of East Ridge and Cornerstone Community Bank effective October 15, 1997.

The Company’s primary activity is, and is expected to remain for the foreseeable future, the ownership and operation of the Bank. As a bank holding company, we intend to facilitate the Bank’s ability to serve its customers’ requirements for financial services. The holding company structure also provides flexibility for expansion through the possible acquisition of other financial institutions and the provision of additional banking-related services, as well as certain non-banking services, which a traditional commercial bank may not provide under present laws. The holding company structure also affords additional flexibility in terms of capital formation and financing opportunities.

The Bank is a Tennessee-chartered commercial bank established in 1985 which has its principal executive offices in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The principal business of the Bank consists of attracting deposits from the general public and investing those funds, together with funds generated from operations and from principal and interest payments on loans, primarily in commercial loans, commercial and residential real estate loans, consumer loans and residential and commercial construction loans. Funds not invested in the loan portfolio are invested by the Bank primarily in obligations of the U.S. Government, U.S. Government agencies, various states and their political subdivisions. In addition to deposits, sources of funds for the Bank loans and other investments include amortization and prepayment of loans, sales of loans or participations in loans, sales of its investment securities and borrowings from other financial institutions. The principal sources of income for the Bank are interest and fees collected on loans, fees collected on deposit accounts and interest and dividends collected on other investments. The principal expenses of the Bank are interest paid on deposits, employee compensation and benefits, office expenses and other overhead expenses.

The Bank has five full-service banking offices located in Hamilton County, Tennessee. In 2007, the Bank established two loan production offices (“LPO”). The first LPO is located in Dalton, Georgia, and has expanded the Bank’s presence in North Georgia. In September 2009, the Bank closed the second LPO, which was located in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The Bank owned and operated a subsidiary, Eagle Financial, Inc. (Eagle), a finance and factoring company. On December 1, 2011, the Bank elected to transfer the operations, assets and liabilities of Eagle into the Bank. The transfer allowed the Bank to combine the operations of Eagle with the Bank’s asset based lending department. As a result, the Bank formed Eagle Financial a division of Cornerstone Community Bank. The Bank maintains the existence of this subsidiary in an inactive status.

As of December 31, 2011, we had 109 full-time equivalent employees. The employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.

All phases of our banking activities are highly competitive. The Bank competes actively with 29 commercial banks, as well as finance companies, credit unions and other financial institutions located in its service area, which includes Hamilton County, Tennessee.

The Bank’s deposits totaled approximately $314 million as of December 31, 2011. The deposit base represents approximately 4% of the deposit base in the Chattanooga, Tennessee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Three major regional banks represent approximately 60% of the deposits in the Chattanooga, Tennessee MSA. These larger financial institutions have greater resources, higher lending limits than the Bank, and each of the three institutions has over 20 branches in the Chattanooga, Tennessee MSA. There are also several credit unions located in Hamilton County, Tennessee. Credit unions are not subject to the same income tax structure as commercial banks. This advantage enables credit unions to offer competitive rates to potential customers. The Bank also faces competition in certain areas of its business from mortgage banking companies, consumer finance companies, insurance companies, money market mutual funds and investment banking firms, some of which are not subject to the same degree of regulation as the Bank.

The Bank competes for deposits principally by offering depositors a variety of deposit programs with competitive interest rates, quality service and convenient locations and hours. The Bank focuses its resources to seek out and attract small business relationships and take advantage of its ability to provide flexible service that meets the needs of this customer class. We feel this market niche is the most promising business area for the future growth of the Bank.

Our principal offices are located at 835 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402. In addition, the Bank operates five full-service branches and one loan production office that are located at:

The Georgia Avenue facility located in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee serves as a branch location for the Bank’s customers as well as our executive offices. The Bank also owns a vacant building and lot at 103 S. Campbell Station Road Knoxville, Tennessee which is currently for sale. We lease and operate a service center to facilitate all of our noncustomer contact functions located at 6401 Lee Corners, Suite 119, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

As a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “Act”), we are registered with and regulated by the Federal Reserve. We are required to file with the Federal Reserve annual reports and such additional information as the Federal Reserve may require pursuant to the Act. The Federal Reserve may also make examinations of us and the Bank. We are also required to comply with the rules and regulations of the Commission under federal securities laws.

As a Tennessee-chartered commercial bank, the Bank is subject to the supervision and regulation of the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions. In addition, the Bank’s deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC and consequently, the Bank is also subject to regulation and supervision by the FDIC. The Bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System.

Federal and state banking laws and regulations govern all areas of our operations, including reserves, loans, mortgages, capital, issuance of securities, payment of dividends and establishment of branches. Federal and state banking agencies also have the general authority to limit the dividends paid by insured banks if such payments are deemed to constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice. The TDFI, FDIC and Federal Reserve have the authority to impose penalties, initiate civil and administrative actions and take other steps intended to prevent banks from engaging in unsafe or unsound practices.

Deposits of the Bank are insured by the FDIC to a maximum of $250,000 for each insured depositor through the DIF. As an insurer, the FDIC issues regulations, conducts examinations and generally supervises the operations of its insured institutions (institutions insured by the FDIC hereinafter are referred to as “insured institutions”). Any insured institution which does not operate in accordance with or conform to FDIC regulations, policies and directives, may be sanctioned for non-compliance. For example, proceedings may be instituted against an insured institution if the institution or any director, officer or employee thereof engages in unsafe and unsound practices, is operating in an unsafe or unsound condition, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC. If insurance of accounts is terminated by the FDIC, the deposits in the institution will continue to be insured by the FDIC for a period of two years following the date of termination. The FDIC recommends an annual audit by independent accountants and also periodically makes its own examinations of insured institutions, including the Bank. The FDIC may revalue assets of an institution, based upon appraisals and other analyses and require establishment of general or specific reserves in amounts equal to the difference between such reevaluation and the book value of the assets.

On September 15, 1992, the FDIC approved final regulations adopting a risk-related deposit insurance system. The risk-related regulations, which became effective January 1, 1993, resulted in a significant spread between the highest and lowest deposit insurance premiums. Under the risk-related insurance regulations, each insured depository institution is assigned to one of three risk classifications: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” or “under capitalized.” Within each risk classification, there are three subgroups. Each insured institution is assigned to one of these subgroups within its risk classification based upon supervisory evaluations submitted to the FDIC by the institution’s primary federal regulator. The FDIC may terminate its insurance of deposits if it finds that the institution has engaged in unsafe and unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC.

Subsequent to the enactment of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (“FIRREA”), the FDIC issued risk-based bank capital guidelines which went into effect in stages through 1992. In accordance with the FDIC’s risk-based standards, an institution’s assets and off-balance sheet activities are categorized into one of four risk categories, with either a 0%, 20%, 50%, or 100% amount of capital to be held against these assets. In addition, the guidelines divide capital instruments into Tier 1 (core) capital and Tier 2 (supplementary) capital. The risk-based capital adequacy guidelines require that (i) Tier 1 capital equal or exceed 4.0% of risk-weighted assets; (ii) Tier 2 capital may not exceed 100% of Tier 1 capital, although certain Tier 2 capital elements are subject to additional limitations; (iii) assets and off-balance sheet items must be weighted according to risk; and (iv) the total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio must be at least 8.0%. The FDIC’s current leverage capital requirement requires banks receiving the highest regulatory rating based upon the FDIC’s routine examination process, to maintain Tier 1 capital equal to 3.0% of the bank’s total assets. The FDIC may determine that an insured institution needs to maintain a higher capital level based on the institution’s particular risk profile. When determining an insured institution’s minimum capital level, the FDIC will consider whether the financial history or condition, managerial resources, the future earnings prospects, significant risks from concentrations of credit or nontraditional activities, excessive interest rate risk exposure, or a significant volume of criticized assets poses a risk to the insured institution’s capital adequacy.

Certain provisions of the Federal Reserve Act, made applicable to the Bank by Section 18(j) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”) (12 U.S.C. §1828(j)) and administered with respect to the Bank by the FDIC, establish standards for the terms of, limit the amount of, and establish collateral requirements with respect to any loans or extensions of credit to, and investments in, affiliates by the Bank as well as set arms-length criteria for such transactions and for certain other transactions (including payment by the Bank for services) between the Bank and its affiliates. In addition, related provisions of the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Reserve regulations (also administered with respect to the Bank by the FDIC) limit the amounts of, and establish required procedures and credit standards with respect to, loans and other extensions of credit to officers, directors and principal shareholders of the Bank and to related interests of such persons.

The FDIC may impose sanctions on any insured bank that does not operate in accordance with FDIC regulations, policies and directives. Proceedings may be instituted against any insured bank or any director, officer or employee of the bank that is believed by the FDIC to be engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, including violation of applicable laws and regulations. The FDIC is also empowered to assess civil penalties against companies or individuals who violate certain federal statutes, orders or regulations. In addition, the FDIC has the authority to terminate insurance of accounts, after notice and hearing, upon a finding by the FDIC that the insured institution is or has engaged in any unsafe or unsound practice that has not been corrected, or is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule or order of, or condition imposed by, the FDIC. Neither Cornerstone nor the Bank knows of any past or current practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of its deposit insurance.

Although the Bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, it is subject to Federal Reserve regulations that require the Bank to maintain reserves against its transaction accounts (primarily checking accounts). Because reserves generally must be maintained in cash or in non-interest bearing accounts, the effect of the reserve requirements is to increase the Bank’s cost of funds. The Federal Reserve regulations currently require that average daily reserves be maintained against transaction accounts in the amount of 3% of the aggregate of such net transaction accounts up to $52.6 million, plus 10% of the total in excess of $52.6 million.

As a commercial bank chartered and regulated by the TDFI, the Bank is subject to various state laws and regulations which limit the amount that can be loaned to a single borrower and the borrower’s related interests, the types of permissible investments, and geographic and new product expansion, among other things. The Bank must submit an application to, and receive the approval of, the TDFI before opening a new branch office or merging with another financial institution. The Commissioner of the TDFI has the authority to enforce state laws and regulations by ordering a director, officer or employee of the Bank to cease and desist from violating a law or regulation or from engaging in unsafe or unsound banking practices.

Tennessee law contains limitations on the interest rates that may be charged on various types of loans and restrictions on the nature and amount of loans that may be granted and on the type of investments which may be made. The operations of banks are also affected by various consumer laws and regulations, including those relating to equal credit opportunity and regulation of consumer lending practices. All Tennessee banks, including the Bank, must become and remain insured under the FDIA.

State banks are subject to regulation by the TDFI with regard to capital requirements and the payment of dividends. Tennessee has adopted the provisions of the Federal Reserve’s Regulation O with respect to restrictions on loans and other extensions of credit to bank “insiders”. Further, under Tennessee law, state banks are prohibited from lending to any one person, firm or corporation amounts more than fifteen percent (15%) of the bank’s equity capital accounts, except (i) in the case of certain loans secured by negotiable title documents covering readily marketable nonperishable staples, or (ii) with the prior approval of the bank’s board of directors or finance committee (however titled), the bank may make a loan to any person, firm or corporation of up to twenty-five percent (25%) of its equity capital accounts. Tennessee law requires that dividends be paid only from retained earnings (or undivided profits) except that dividends may be paid from capital surplus with the prior, written consent of the TDFI. Tennessee laws regulating banks require certain charges against and transfers from an institution’s undivided profits account before undivided profits can be made available for the payment of dividends.

We are regularly examined by the Federal Reserve, and the Bank is supervised and examined by the FDIC. We are required to file with the Federal Reserve annual reports and other information regarding our business operations and the business operations of the Bank. Approval of the Federal Reserve is required before we may acquire, directly or indirectly, ownership or control of the voting shares of any bank, if, after such acquisition, we would own or control, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the voting stock of the bank. In addition, pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder, we may only engage in, or own or control companies that engage in, activities deemed by the Federal Reserve to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto.

We and the Bank are “affiliated” within the meaning of the Act. Certain provisions of the Act establish standards for the terms of, limit the amount of, and establish collateral requirements with respect to, any loans or extensions of credit to, and investments in, affiliates by the Bank, as well as set arms-length criteria for such transactions and for certain other transactions (including payment by the Bank for services under any contract) between the Bank and its affiliates. In addition, related provisions of the Act and the regulations promulgated under the Act limit the amounts of, and establish required procedures and credit standards with respect to, loans and other extensions of credit to officers, directors, and principal shareholders of the Bank, our Company and any other subsidiary of our Company, and to related interests of such persons.

Under Section 106(b) of the 1970 Amendments to the Act (12 U.S.C. § 1972), the Bank is prohibited from extending credit, selling or leasing property or furnishing any service to any customer on the condition or requirement that the customer (i) obtain any additional property, service or credit from our Company, the Bank (other than a loan, discount, deposit, or trust service) or any subsidiary of our Company; (ii) refrain from obtaining any property, credit or service from any competitor of our Company, the Bank or any subsidiary of our Company; or (iii) provide any credit, property or service to our Company, the Bank (other than those related to and usually provided in connection with a loan, discount, deposit or trust service) or any subsidiary of our Company.

Most bank holding companies are required to give the Federal Reserve prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of their outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of the bank holding company’s consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal constitutes an unsafe or unsound practice that would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve order or directive or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve. The prior notice requirement does not apply to certain “well-capitalized” bank holding companies that meet specified criteria.

In November 1985, the Federal Reserve adopted its Policy Statement on Cash Dividends Not Fully Covered by Earnings. The Policy Statement sets forth various guidelines that the Federal Reserve believes that a bank holding company should follow in establishing its dividend policy. In general, the Federal Reserve stated that bank holding companies should not pay dividends except out of current earnings and unless the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition.

A bank or bank holding company that is deemed to be in “troubled condition” or that is operating under a formal supervisory action may not, without the prior consent of its primary federal regulator, make a “golden parachute” payment. By letter dated March 30, 2010, the Federal Reserve Bank has notified us that we are in “troubled condition” as a result of the Bank’s condition. The purposes of the law and the regulations promulgated thereunder include safeguarding the assets of financial institutions and limiting rewards to institution-affiliated parties who may have contributed to the institution’s condition. An “institution-affiliated party” includes any officer, director, employee and controlling stockholder, as well as others who participate in the affairs of a financial institution. Under the FDIC’s regulations, a “golden parachute” payment means any payment in the nature of compensation or an agreement to make such payment for the benefit of any current or former institution-affiliated party of an insured depository institution or its holding company that meets three criteria. First, the payment or agreement must be contingent upon the termination of the institution-affiliated party’s employment or association. Second, the payment or agreement is received on or after, or made in contemplation of, among other things, a termination when the institution or holding company is in a “troubled condition” under the regulations of the applicable banking agency. Third, the payment or agreement must be payable to an institution-affiliated party who is terminated when the institution or holding company meets certain specific conditions, including being subject to a determination that it is in a troubled condition.

The following information describes certain statutory and regulatory provisions affecting the Company and the Bank and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such statutory and regulatory provisions. In addition, the financial institutions industry is currently subject to a number of legislative initiatives, and, as such, statutory and regulatory provisions may change.

Far-reaching legislation, including FIRREA and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”), have for years impacted the business of banking. FIRREA primarily affected the regulation of savings institutions rather than the regulation of commercial banks and bank holding companies like the Bank and the Company, but did include provisions affecting deposit insurance premiums, acquisitions of thrifts by banks and bank holding companies, liability of commonly controlled depository institutions, receivership and conservatorship rights and procedures and substantially increased penalties for violations of banking statutes, regulations and orders.

FDICIA resulted in extensive changes to the federal banking laws. The primary purpose of FDICIA was to authorize additional borrowings by the FDIC in order to assist in the resolution of failed and failing financial institutions. However, the law also instituted certain changes to the supervisory process and contained various provisions affecting the operations of banks and bank holding companies.

The additional supervisory powers and regulations mandated by FDICIA, include a “prompt corrective action” program based upon five regulatory zones for banks, in which all banks are placed largely based on their capital positions. Regulators are permitted to take increasingly harsh action as a bank’s financial condition declines. Regulators are also empowered to place in receivership or require the sale of a bank to another depository institution when a bank’s capital leverage ratio reaches two percent (2%). Better capitalized institutions are generally subject to less onerous regulation and supervision than banks with lesser amounts of capital. The FDIC has adopted regulations implementing the prompt corrective action provisions of the FDICIA, which place financial institutions in the following five categories based upon capitalization ratios: (1) a “well capitalized” institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of at least 6% and a leverage ratio of at least 5%; (2) an “adequately capitalized” institution has a total risk-based ratio of at least 8%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of at least 4% and a leverage ratio of at least 4%; (3) an “undercapitalized” institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of under 8%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of under 4% or a leverage ratio of under 4%; (4) a “significantly undercapitalized” institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of under 6%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of under 3% or a leverage ratio of under 3%; and (5) a “critically undercapitalized” institution has a leverage ratio of 2% or less. Institutions in any of the three undercapitalized categories would be prohibited from declaring dividends or making capital distributions. The proposed regulations also establish procedures for “downgrading” an institution to a lower capital category based on supervisory factors other than capital. Various other sections of the FDICIA impose substantial audit and reporting requirements and increase the role of independent accountants and outside directors. Set forth below is a list containing certain significant provisions of the FDICIA:

The activities permissible to us were substantially expanded by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “Gramm Act”). The Gramm Act repeals the anti-affiliation provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act to permit the common ownership of commercial banks, investment banks and insurance companies. The Gramm Act amended the Act to permit a financial holding company to engage in any activity and acquire and retain any company that the Federal Reserve determines to be (i) financial in nature or incidental to such financial activity, or (ii) complementary to a financial activity and that does not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally. The Gramm Act also modifies current law relating to financial privacy and community reinvestment. The new financial privacy provisions generally prohibit financial institutions, including us, from disclosing nonpublic personal financial information to third parties unless customers have the opportunity to “opt out” of the disclosure.

On November 21, 2008, the Board of Directors of the FDIC adopted a final rule relating to the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLGP”). The TLGP was announced by the FDIC on October 14, 2008, preceded by the determination of systemic risk by the U.S. Treasury, as an initiative to counter the system-wide crisis in the nation’s financial sector. Under the TLGP, the FDIC will (i) guarantee, through the earlier of maturity or June 30, 2012, certain newly issued senior unsecured debt issued by participating institutions and (ii) provide unlimited FDIC deposit insurance coverage for noninterest bearing transaction deposit accounts, Negotiable Order of Withdrawal Accounts (commonly known as NOW accounts) paying less than 0.5% interest per annum and Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (commonly known as IOLTA) held at participating FDIC-insured institutions through December 31, 2009. Such unlimited insurance coverage expired and was not extended under the Dodd-Frank Act (defined below). The $250,000 deposit insurance coverage limit was scheduled to return to $100,000 on January 1, 2010, but was extended by congressional action until December 31, 2012 and the NOW and IOLTA accounts are subject to such $250,000 insurance coverage limit. Coverage under the TLG Program was available for the first 30 days without charge. The fee assessment for coverage of senior unsecured debt ranges from 50 basis points to 100 basis points per annum, depending on the initial maturity of the debt. The fee assessment for deposit insurance coverage is 10 basis points per quarter on amounts in covered accounts exceeding $250,000. The Bank elected to participate in the unlimited deposit insurance coverage for noninterest bearing transaction deposit accounts, but declined to participate in the senior unsecured debt guarantee coverage.

On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). The impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on the financial services industry will be broad, with enhanced regulatory oversight and compliance, including, among other things, (i) enhanced resolution authority of troubled and failing banks and their holding companies; (ii) increased capital and liquidity requirements; (iii) increased regulatory examination fees; (iv) changes to assessments to be paid to the FDIC for federal deposit insurance; and (v) numerous other provisions designed to improve supervision and oversight of, and strengthening safety and soundness for, the financial services sector. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act established a new framework for systemic risk and oversight in the industry which has resulted and will continue to result in sweeping changes in the regulation of financial institutions aimed at strengthening safety and soundness for the financial services sector. A summary of certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act is set forth below:

· Increased Capital Standards and Enhanced Supervision. The federal banking agencies are required to establish minimum leverage and risk-based capital requirements for banks and bank holding companies. These new standards will be no lower than current regulatory capital and leverage standards applicable to insured depository institutions and may, in fact, be higher when established by the agencies. The Dodd-Frank Act also increases regulatory oversight, supervision and examination of banks, bank holding companies and their respective subsidiaries by the appropriate regulatory agency.

· Federal Deposit Insurance. The Dodd-Frank Act makes permanent the $250,000 deposit insurance limit for insured deposits and provides unlimited federal deposit insurance on non-interest bearing transaction accounts at all insured depository institutions until December 31, 2012. The Dodd-Frank Act also changes the assessment base for federal deposit insurance from the amount of insured deposits to consolidated assets less tangible equity, eliminates the ceiling on the size of the DIF and increases the floor of the size of the DIF.

· The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“Bureau”). The Dodd-Frank Act centralizes responsibility for consumer financial protection by creating a new agency, the Bureau, responsible for implementing, examining and, for large financial institutions, enforcing compliance with federal consumer financial laws. The Bureau will have broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority over consumer financial products and services, including deposit products, residential mortgages, home-equity loans and credit cards, and contains provisions on mortgage-related matters such as, steering incentives, determinations as to borrower’s ability to repay and prepayment penalties. On July 31, 2011 the Dodd-Frank Act transferred the responsibility for implementation of a wide variety of existing consumer protection rules and regulations to the Bureau. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act tasks the Bureau with implementation of many new consumer protection initiatives required by that law. While the exact impact of these future changes is unknown, the Bank expects that it will incur additional expense related to the implementation of those rules. Another provision of the Dodd-Frank Act, commonly known as the Durbin Amendment, became effective October 1, 2011. The Durbin Amendment limits interchange fees payable on debit card transactions for financial institutions with less than $10 billion in assets. While the Durbin Amendment does not directly apply to the Bank, competitive market forces related to the reduction mandated by the Durbin Amendment may result in a decrease in revenue from interchange fees for smaller financial institutions. Because the Bank has under $10 billion in total assets, however, the FDIC will still continue to examine it at the federal level for compliance with such laws.

· Interest on Demand Deposit Accounts. The Dodd-Frank Act repeals the prohibition on the payment of interest on demand deposit accounts effective one year after the date of enactment, thereby permitting depository institutions to pay interest on business checking and other accounts.

· Mortgage Reform. The Dodd-Frank Act provides for mortgage reform addressing a customer’s ability to repay, restricts variable-rate lending by requiring the ability to repay to be determined for variable rate loans by using the maximum rate that will apply during the first five years of a variable-rate loan term, and makes more loans subject to requirement for higher-cost loans, new disclosures and certain other restrictions.

Legislation is regularly introduced in both the United States Congress and the Tennessee General Assembly that contains wide-ranging proposals for altering the structures, regulations and competitive relationships of the nation’s financial institutions. Such legislation may change banking statutes and our operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways and could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance, depending upon whether any of this potential legislation will be enacted and, if enacted, the effect that it or any implementing regulations would have on our financial condition or results of operations.

Our board of directors is comprised of ten directors, all of whom were elected at our annual meeting of shareholders held on April 26, 2012 to serve for a one year term and until their successors are elected and qualify. The directors of the Company are also the directors of the Bank. All of our executive officers serve at the discretion of the board of directors.

The names and ages, as of March 31, 2012, of our current directors, a brief description of their principal occupation and business experience, and certain other information are set forth below.

The following individuals are our executive officers who are not also directors. Except where designated by an asterisk (*) in the table below (indicating an officer title for both the Company and the Bank), officer titles are only for the Bank.

Set forth below is a summary of key developments over the past three years that have led to us to conduct this offering.

Asset Quality Deterioration and Covenant Considerations Under the Company Loan

As a result of negative developments over the past few years in the capital and credit markets generally and in the local areas in which we operate particularly, we have experienced significant declines in our asset quality. Resultant loan losses and related provision expenses greatly reduced our earnings in 2007 and 2008, and led to a net loss of $8.2 million in 2009 and a net loss of $4.7 million in 2010. Coupled with our continued payments of cash dividends throughout 2007 and 2008 and the first two quarters of 2009, these losses caused material deterioration in the Bank’s capital levels. To assist the Bank in maintaining regulatory capital levels, we drew funds under our line of credit facility with Silverton Bank, N.A. to fund contributions to the Bank’s capital during 2007 and 2008. In March 2009, the line of credit was reworked into two holding company loans (a revolving line of credit and a term loan). However, due to the continuing decline in our financial condition during 2009, we were unable to maintain compliance with certain financial covenants contained in the credit facility agreement relating to these holding company loans. In May 2009, Silverton Bank, N.A. was closed by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the FDIC, which was named receiver, formed Silverton Bridge Bank, N.A. to take over its operations. The FDIC subsequently notified us that our holding company loans could be sold in the open market. In January 2010, the loans were renewed and Cornerstone received a waiver regarding previous covenant violations through December 31, 2009 and they had an aggregate outstanding balance of approximately $5.25 million as of May 31, 2010. Because we did not receive further waivers, our independent registered public accounting firm stated in its opinion with regard to our 2009 financial statements substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. However, on March 29, 2011, Cornerstone received an additional waiver regarding all previous covenant violations in existence through December 31, 2010 and a waiver of any covenant violation that occurs through December 31, 2011. In consideration for such additional waivers, Cornerstone has agreed to, among other things, pay in full the outstanding principal balance in the amount of $750,000 of one of the two outstanding notes. On March 28, 2012 we received an additional waiver of covenant compliance thresholds for 2012, conditioned upon the following: (1) we will continue to provide covenant compliance certificates to the Lender, (2) the Bank will limits its dividend payments to amounts necessary to service the term loan and line of credit and to pay income taxes, and (3) we paid a processing fee of $25,000. Therefore, as of April 1, 2012, Cornerstone is subject to only one outstanding holding company loan and our auditors have issued an unqualified opinion with regard to our 2011 financial statements without a going concern consideration

On April 2, 2010, the Bank entered into a Stipulation to the Issuance of a Consent Order (the “Stipulation”) with the FDIC. Pursuant to the Stipulation, the Bank has consented, without admitting or denying any charges of unsafe or unsound banking practices or violations of law or regulations, to the issuance of a Consent Order (the “Order”) by the FDIC, also effective as of April 2, 2010. On April 8, 2010, the Bank also executed a written agreement (the “Agreement”) with the TDFI.

The Order and the Agreement (collectively, the “Action Plans”) contain substantially similar terms and are based on the findings of the FDIC and TDFI during their joint examination of the Bank commenced on October 8, 2009 (the “Examination”), as disclosed in the Joint Report of Examination (the “Report”). The Order and the Agreement represent agreements between the Bank, on the one hand, and the FDIC and the TDFI, respectively, on the other hand, as to areas of the Bank’s operations that warrant improvement and present plans for making those improvements. The Action Plans impose no fines or penalties on the Bank.

Under the terms of each Action Plan, the Bank cannot declare or pay cash dividends without the prior written consent of certain officials of the FDIC and the TDFI (the “Joint Officials”). In addition, the Bank is restricted from extending additional credit to certain borrowers whose existing credit has been classified as “loss,” “doubtful” or “substandard” or has been charged off the books of the Bank and, in each case, is uncollected. The Action Plans further require, at varying times following their respective effective dates, the Bank (or its board of directors, as appropriate) to (i) establish a committee comprised of a majority of non-employee directors to oversee the Bank’s compliance with the Action Plans; (ii) prepare and implement a written capital plan to increase the Bank’s Tier I Capital and achieve and maintain specified capital ratios, containing a contingency plan (including a plan to sell or merge the Bank) for implementation upon written notice from the Joint Officials in certain events; (iii) retain a bank consultant to develop a written management and staffing plan for implementation by the Bank; (iv) develop and implement specified policies and/or procedures addressing interest rate risk, appraisal weaknesses and credit underwriting and loan administration deficiencies; (v) develop and implement a written plan addressing liquidity and related measures and objectives; (vi) eliminate certain assets classified as “loss” by the FDIC or the TDFI; (vii) formulate and implement certain written plans, including an annual profit plan and budget, a comprehensive strategic plan, a plan to reduce certain impaired assets identified during the Examination, and a plan for the reduction and collection of delinquent loans; (viii) implement a system of monitoring loan documentation exceptions on an ongoing basis and implement procedures designed to reduce their future occurrence; and (ix) eliminate and/or correct the deficiencies and technical exceptions, violations of law and regulation and contraventions of policy noted in the Report. The Agreement would further require the Bank to develop and implement a written plan for the continued administration of its IT risk management practices and controls.

The Bank is required to provide written progress reports to the Joint Officials on a quarterly basis until such time as the requirements of the Action Plans have been accomplished and the FDIC has released the Bank in writing from such obligation. The Order and the Agreement will remain in effect until modified or terminated by the FDIC or the TDFI, respectively.

The Bank is in substantial compliance with the terms of the Action Plans. The Bank has provided quarterly written progress reports to the Joint Officials. The status of the Bank’s compliance with the specific actions required by the Action Plans is discussed in further detail below.

The Bank’s board of directors established a Consent Order Compliance Committee (the “Committee”) comprised of a majority of non-employee directors to oversee the Bank’s compliance with the Action Plans. The Committee’s first meeting was held in May, 2010. The Committee has met monthly since that time and intends to meet monthly until the Bank’s responsibilities and obligations under the Action Plans have been fulfilled.

The Bank has prepared and is implementing a capital plan. In furtherance of such capital plan, Cornerstone commenced this offering of Series A Preferred Stock in June, 2010.

The Bank engaged an outside consultant to perform a management and staffing plan. The consultant submitted its findings and recommendations to the Bank’s board of directors, the FDIC and the TDFI. The Bank’s board of directors submitted its management plan to the Joint Officials in April 2011. After discussing the management plan with the Joint Officials the Bank began implementing its new management plan. Highlights of the management plan include a reorganization of the Bank’s internal loan review and credit departments. The Bank’s loan review department was assigned to the Bank’s risk management department to achieve greater independence. The Bank also assigned additional responsibilities to the Bank’s new Chief Credit Officer with respect to the credit department and the organization’s underwriting process. Next, the human resources assigned to the Bank’s collection department were reviewed. After the review, management concluded that additional personnel were needed to assist the Bank in collecting and resolving problem loans.

The Bank enhanced its liquidity policy to include additional liquidity measurements and a revised liquidity contingency funding plan. In addition to the policy updates, the Bank engaged an outside consultant to perform quarterly liquidity analysis for the Bank’s Asset–Liability Committee’s (“ALCO”) review. The Bank’s board of directors has established liquidity goals and is monitors these levels on a quarterly basis. The September 30, 2011 report was received and reviewed during the November 2011 ALCO meeting.

The Bank engaged an outside consultant to perform quarterly interest rate risk modeling for the Bank’s ALCO committee’s review. The Bank’s board of directors has established interest rate sensitivity goals and is monitoring these levels on a quarterly basis. The September 30, 2011 report was received and reviewed during the November 2011 ALCO meeting.

The Bank prepared budgets for its 2011 and 2012 fiscal years and submitted the budgets to the FDIC for review.

The Bank prepared a strategic plan and submitted such strategic plan to the FDIC for review. One of the primary components of the strategic plan was to reduce the Bank’s average assets. By the fourth quarter of 2011, the Bank had lowered its average assets to approximately $417 million compared to approximately $450 million as of fourth quarter 2010. The primary decrease in average assets was the reduction in Bank securities. A bank’s average assets are included in the calculation of its regulatory capital ratios. The reduction in average assets, along with the holding company’s fourth quarter 2011 capital injection of $4.5 million, allowed the Bank to achieve the regulatory capital ratios as outlined in the Action Plans.

The Bank has prepared a reduction of delinquencies action plan. The Bank has submitted this plan to the Joint Officials. Important aspects of the delinquency action plan include a prohibition against an extension of credit for the payment of interest on delinquent loans, a requirement to establish specific collection procedures to be instituted at various stages of a borrower’s delinquency and specific reporting requirements informing members of management and the board of directors about existing past due levels.

In addition, the Bank has charged off all loans classified by the Joint Officials as “loss.” The Bank maintains a tracking report that it submits to the Joint Officials periodically. Finally, the Bank’s board of directors has created a Loan Review Committee to review the asset quality, concentrations and problem credits within the Bank’s loan portfolio.

The Bank has addressed all violations and contraventions of policy and has either corrected or is in the process of correcting each such violation or contravention.

The Bank has implemented a technical exception tracking system in order to monitor technical exceptions. In addition, the Bank has drafted and implemented new procedures aimed at reducing technical exceptions noted by regulators during their examinations of the Bank.

The Bank has not paid common stock dividends since the inception of the Action Plans.

The Bank is actively monitoring and is not aware of any new extensions of credit to prohibited classified borrowers as of December 31, 2011.

Management and the Board have carefully considered the impact of the Action Plans on the Bank’s current and future operations. Areas that have received additional attention as a result of the Action Plans include the Bank’s liquidity position, overall balance sheet structure, capital and earnings. The Bank has considered the impact of deposit interest rate restrictions that may impair the Bank’s ability to raise local certificates of deposit. Management has placed an emphasis on increasing local deposits, reducing its non-core liabilities and establishing a liquidity contingency plan to address potential problems. The Bank’s overall balance sheet structure has also been considered. The reduction in assets has impacted the Bank’s earning assets and therefore the Bank’s net interest income. To offset this reduction the Bank has reduced its cost of funds as well as its non-interest expense over the last two years. One of the primary impacts of the Order and the Agreement is the need for additional capital. Cornerstone has incurred additional time and expense to generate this Series A Preferred Stock offering. The Series A Preferred Stock has an annual ten percent return which will require additional earnings from the Bank to meet the annual dividend requirement. The Bank’s earnings have been impacted negatively due to the recent regulatory criticism. One example of the negative impact on earnings is the increased FDIC insurance premiums have been incurred and will continue to be at an elevated level until the Bank’s overall condition improves.

Noncompliance with the Action Plans could subject the Bank to an array of penalties, ranging from civil money penalties to a termination of the Bank’s deposit insurance for more egregious violations of applicable bank rules and regulations.

Cornerstone received a letter dated March 30, 2010 from its primary banking regulator, the FRBA. The letter directs Cornerstone to obtain the FRBA’s written approval before Cornerstone (i) incurs any indebtedness; (ii) declares or pays any dividends; (iii) redeems any corporate stock; or (iv) makes any other payment representing a reduction in its capital, except for the payment of normal and routine operating expenses. As noted above, Cornerstone has received FRBA’s approval for dividends with respect to the Preferred Shares. The letter notes that the condition of the Bank has caused Cornerstone to be in “troubled condition” under Regulation Y. As a result, notice to the FRBA is required before Cornerstone undertakes any changes in senior executive management or directorships, and approval of the FRBA (with the written concurrence of the FDIC) must be obtained before Cornerstone grants or enters into any agreement to provide a golden parachute or severance payment. To date, Cornerstone is in compliance with the requirements of the FRBA letter.

To date the most significant impact of the FRBA’s letter relates to the payment of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock. However, Cornerstone has been able to consistently raise additional capital and the company generated positive earnings during 2011. These two elements coupled with the Bank’s stabilization of asset quality have, in Cornerstone’s estimation, led to the approval of the Preferred Shares dividend payments.

In light of the foregoing developments, we are conducting this offering to raise the capital necessary to: (i) fund the payment of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, (ii) fund anticipated holding company expenses, including debt service, and (iii) provide the balance, if any, as additional capital to the Bank so that it may meet the capital levels required under the Action Plans. See “USE OF PROCEEDS.”

This section summarizes all material features of the Series A Preferred Stock. The terms of the Series A Preferred Stock will include those stated in an amendment to our charter, which is filed as an exhibit to this registration statement filed with the Commission of which this prospectus is a part. The following summary of the terms and provisions of the Series A Preferred Stock does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the pertinent sections of our charter, as will be amended effective immediately prior to the closing of the offering, including the amendment to the charter for the Series A Preferred Stock. You should read our charter, including the amendment, for a more complete understanding of the terms and provisions of the Series A Preferred Stock.

Our charter authorizes the issuance of up to 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, in any number of classes and series within classes and having the preferences, limitations and relative rights as may be determined from time to time by the board of directors.

When issued, the Series A Preferred Stock will constitute a single series of our preferred stock, consisting of 600,000 shares, no par value, having a liquidation preference of (i) $25.00 per share (the “Original Issue Price” and subject to adjustment as provided herein) and (ii) the amount of all accumulated and unpaid dividends. The holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will have no preemptive rights. All of the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, when issued and paid for, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

We may, from time to time, without notice to or consent from holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, create and issue Junior Stock (defined below).

The Series A Preferred Stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, winding-up or dissolution, rank:

The rights of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be subordinate to the rights of our general creditors, including depositors. See also “RISK FACTORS — The Series A Preferred Stock is subordinated to our obligations to creditors and will rank junior to all of our and our subsidiaries’ liabilities in the event of bankruptcy, liquidation or the winding-up of assets.”

If the Bank becomes subject to federal conservatorship or receivership, the Company would likely suffer a complete loss of the value of its ownership interest in the Bank. In that event, the Company may elect to cease operations and liquidate or seek bankruptcy protection, in which case it is unlikely that there would be assets available to holders of the capital stock of the Company, including for the payment of amounts due on the Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding.

Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock will be payable quarterly in arrears, if, as and when authorized and declared by our board of directors out of legally available funds, on a cumulative basis on the $25.00 per share Original Issue Price, at an annual rate equal to 10% (“Applicable Dividend Rate”). Subject to the foregoing, dividends will accumulate from the Initial Dividend Commencement Date (as defined below) and shall be payable in arrears on the 15th day of February, May, August and November of each year (each, a “Dividend Payment Date”) that immediately follows the end of the Dividend Period (as defined below) to which such dividends relate. Each dividend will be payable to holders of record as they appear on our stock register on the applicable record date, which shall be the 15th calendar day immediately preceding such Dividend Payment Date or such other record date fixed by our board of directors that is not more than 60 days nor less than 10 days prior to such Dividend Payment Date (each, a “Dividend Record Date”). Any such day that is a Dividend Record Date shall be a Dividend Record Date whether or not such day is a Business Day. Each period from and including the first day of February, May, August and November (each, a “Dividend Commencement Date”), which for each share of Series A Preferred Stock will commence with the Initial Dividend Commencement Date for such share, to but excluding the next following Dividend Commencement Date is herein referred to as a “Dividend Period.” The “Initial Dividend Commencement Date” with respect to any share of Series A Preferred Stock will be the Dividend Commencement Date immediately following the date on which such share was issued; provided, however, that for any shares of Designated Preferred Stock purchased prior to September 1, 2010, the Initial Dividend Commencement Date shall be August 1, 2010. Therefore, for any shares of Series A Preferred Stock that are issued on or before August 31, 2010, dividends will accumulate from August 1, 2010 and will be payable on November 15, 2010. Dividends payable for each Dividend Period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. If a scheduled Dividend Payment Date falls on a day that is not a business day, the dividend will be paid on the next business day as if it were paid on the scheduled Dividend Payment Date, and no interest or other amount will accrue on the dividend so payable for the period from and after that Dividend Payment Date to the date the dividend is paid. The term “business day” means any day that is not Saturday or Sunday and that, in the State of Tennessee, is not a day on which banking institutions generally are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to be closed.

Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock will be cumulative. So long as any share of Series A Preferred Stock remains outstanding, no dividend or distribution shall be declared or paid on the Common Stock or any other shares of Junior Stock, and no Common Stock or Junior Stock shall be, directly or indirectly, purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by us or any of our subsidiaries, unless, in either case, all accumulated and unpaid dividends for all past Dividend Periods, including the latest completed Dividend Period, on all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock have been or are contemporaneously declared and paid in full (or have been declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been set aside for the benefit of the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock on the applicable record date). The foregoing limitation shall not apply to (i) redemptions, purchases or other acquisitions of shares of Common Stock or other Junior Stock in connection with the administration of any employee benefit plan in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice; (ii) the acquisition by us or any of our subsidiaries of record ownership in Junior Stock for the beneficial ownership of any other persons (other than us or any of our subsidiaries), including as trustees or custodians; and (iii) the exchange or conversion of Junior Stock for or into other Junior Stock solely to the extent required pursuant to binding contractual agreements entered into prior to the date on which shares of Series A Preferred Stock are first issued or any subsequent agreement for the accelerated exercise, settlement or exchange thereof for Common Stock.

Subject to the foregoing, and not otherwise, such dividends (payable in cash, securities or other property) as may be determined by our board of directors may be declared and paid on any of our securities, including Common Stock and other Junior Stock, from time to time out of any funds legally available for such payment, and holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to participate in any such dividends.

The shares of Series A Preferred Stock will be redeemable at our option and, with the prior approval of the Federal Reserve, if required, in whole or in part, at any time after July 31, 2015, out of funds legally available for payment, at the cash redemption price of $25.00 per share of Series A Preferred Stock, plus declared and unpaid dividends, if any, from any and all Dividend Payment Dates preceding the date fixed for redemption.

If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, we will select those to be redeemed pro rata or in any other manner as our board of directors may determine to be fair and equitable. Subject to the preceding paragraph, our board of directors shall have the full power and authority to prescribe the terms and conditions upon which shares of Series A Preferred shall be redeemed from time to time.

On and after the date fixed for redemption, provided that the redemption price has been paid or provided for, dividends shall cease to accumulate or be declared on all shares of the Series A Preferred Stock so called for redemption. These shares will no longer be deemed to be outstanding, and all rights with respect to such shares shall forthwith on such redemption date cease and terminate, except only the right of holders thereof to receive the amount payable on such redemption, without interest.

Shares of Series A Preferred Stock that are redeemed, repurchased or otherwise acquired by us shall revert to authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock of the Company (provided that any such cancelled shares of Series A Preferred Stock may be reissued only as shares of any series of preferred stock other than Series A Preferred Stock).

If we redeem any shares of Series A Preferred Stock, notice of redemption will be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days before the redemption date, to the holders of record of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed as their addresses appear on our stock register. Each such notice of redemption shall state: (1) the redemption date; (2) the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed; (3) the redemption price; and (4) the place or places where certificates for such shares are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if shares of Series A Preferred Stock are issued in book-entry form through The Depository Trust Company or any other similar facility, notice of redemption may be given to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock at such time and in any manner permitted by such facility.

Each share of the Series A Preferred Stock may be converted at any time, at the option of the holder, into shares of fully paid and non-assessable shares of our Common Stock at a rate of five (5) shares of Common Stock for each share of Series A Preferred Stock which is converted (which reflects an initial conversion price of $5.00 per share of Common Stock, subject to adjustment as provided in “— Adjustments to the Conversion Price” below), plus cash in lieu of fractional shares. Any adjustment to the conversion price will result in a corresponding adjustment to the conversion rate. To the extent the initial conversion price (or subsequent adjusted conversion price) is increased, you will receive a corresponding decrease in the number of shares of our Common Stock upon conversion, and to the extent the initial conversion price (or subsequent adjusted conversion price) is decreased, you will receive a corresponding increase in the number of shares of our Common Stock upon conversion.

In order to exercise the right to convert shares of Series A Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock pursuant to such an optional conversion, a holder of Series A Preferred Stock must (i) provide written notice to us that the holder elects to convert the same and setting forth the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted and the name or names in which the holder wishes the certificate or certificates for shares of Common Stock to be issued; and (ii) surrender to us the certificate or certificates therefor, duly endorsed for transfer to us (if we so require), at the principal office of our company or of any transfer agent for the Series A Preferred Stock. Upon receipt of such notification and surrender (the “Optional Conversion Date”), we will, as soon as practicable thereafter, issue and deliver at such office to such holder a certificate or certificates for the number of whole shares of Common Stock to which such holder will be entitled and a check or checks payable to such holder in the amount of any cash amounts payable as the result of a conversion into fractional shares of Common Stock and the amount of all accumulated but unpaid dividends per share on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock so converted. Any such optional conversion will be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the close of business on the Optional Conversion Date relating thereto. If fewer than all the shares of Series A Preferred Stock represented by a certificate surrendered for conversion are converted, we will issue and deliver to the holder thereof a new certificate representing the unconverted shares without charge to such holder.

Any accumulated but unpaid dividends payable on shares of Series A Preferred Stock that are converted on an Optional Conversion Date or a Mandatory Conversion Date (as defined below), which occurs subsequent to the record date for a Dividend Period shall be paid to the holder of record of the converted shares on (but not before) the Dividend Payment Date relating to such record date.

We may, at our option, at any time on or after (but at no time before) July 31, 2015, cause some or all of the Series A Preferred Stock at the time outstanding to be mandatorily converted into fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock at the conversion rate in effect on the Mandatory Conversion Date (hereinafter defined) if the Closing Price (hereinafter defined) of each share of Common Stock equals or exceeds 150% of the then applicable Conversion Price on each of the 30 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date we give notice of such mandatory conversion.

If we elect to cause less than all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted, the shares to be converted will be selected either pro rata or in such manner as our board of directors may determine to be fair and equitable. Subject to the paragraph above, our board of directors shall have full power and authority to prescribe the terms and conditions upon which shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be converted from time to time pursuant to a mandatory conversion.

In order to exercise the right to convert shares of Series A Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock pursuant to such a mandatory conversion, we must provide written notice, containing the information required below, to each holder of Series A Preferred Stock subject to such mandatory conversion that we elect to convert the same. The date of a mandatory conversion will be a date selected by us (the “Mandatory Conversion Date”) and will be no more than 20 days and not less than 10 days after the date on which we deliver the notice of mandatory conversion relating thereto. In addition to any information required by applicable law or regulation, the notice of mandatory conversion must state: (i) the Mandatory Conversion Date; (ii) the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted; (iii) the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued upon conversion of each share of Series A Preferred Stock; and (iv) the Closing Price and the Conversion Price of each share of Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock, respectively, on each of the 30 consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the date we give notice of mandatory conversion. Effective immediately prior to the close of business on a Mandatory Conversion Date, the shares of Series A Preferred Stock subject to such conversion will automatically convert to shares of Common Stock. On the Mandatory Conversion Date, holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock so converted will be obligated to deliver to us at our principal office (or at such other office as we may designate by notice to such holders) during our normal business hours, the certificate or certificates for the shares so converted, duly endorsed for transfer to us (if we so require). As soon as practicable thereafter, we will issue and deliver to each such holder a certificate or certificates for the number of whole shares of Common Stock to which such holder shall be entitled and a check or checks payable to such holder in the amount of any cash amounts payable as the result of a conversion into fractional shares of Common Stock and the amount of all accumulated but unpaid dividends per share on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock so converted. Until such time as a holder of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall surrender such holder’s certificate(s) therefor, such certificate(s) shall be deemed to represent the shares of Common Stock to which such holder shall be entitled upon the surrender thereof. A mandatory conversion will be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the close of business on the Mandatory Conversion Date relating thereto. If fewer than all the shares of Series A Preferred Stock represented by a certificate surrendered for conversion are converted, we will issue and deliver to the holder thereof a new certificate representing the unconverted shares without charge to such holder.

“Closing Price” of any security on any determination date means (i) if the security is primarily traded on the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market, closing sale price or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price of the security on that date as reported by such exchange, (ii) if the security is primarily traded on any other U.S. national or regional securities exchange, the closing sale price or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price of the security on that date as reported in composite transactions for the exchange on which the security is traded, or (iii) if the security is not listed on any such exchange, the last quoted bid price for the security on that date in the over-the-counter market as reported by the OTCBB, Pink OTC Markets or other similar organization, or, if that bid price is not available or if the security is not otherwise publicly traded, the market price of the security on that date as determined in good faith by our board of directors and set forth in a written resolution of our board of directors.

A “trading day” is, with respect to any security that is publicly traded, any day on which the exchange, market or system on which the security is traded is open for the transaction of business and the security is not suspended from trading at the close of business.

The conversion price will be subject to adjustment if, after the issue date, any of the following events occur:

With respect to the first bullet point, in the event the outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be subdivided (by stock split, by payment of a stock dividend or otherwise) into a greater number of shares of Common Stock, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such subdivision shall, concurrently with the effectiveness of such subdivision, be proportionately decreased. In the event the outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be combined into a lesser number of shares of Common Stock, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such combination shall, concurrently with the effectiveness of such combination, be proportionately increased.

With respect to the second bullet point, in the event the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be subdivided (by stock split, by payment of a stock dividend or otherwise) into a greater number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, the Applicable Dividend Rate, Original Issue Price and Liquidation Preference (hereinafter defined) of the Series A Preferred Stock in effect immediately prior to such subdivision shall, concurrently with the effectiveness of such subdivision, be proportionately decreased. In the event the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be combined into a lesser number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, the Applicable Dividend Rate, Original Issue Price and Liquidation Preference of the Series A Preferred Stock in effect immediately prior to such combination shall, concurrently with the effectiveness of such combination, be proportionately increased.

With respect to the third bullet point, if the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock shall be changed into the same or a different number of shares of any other class or classes of capital stock, whether by capital reorganization, reclassification or others (other than a subdivision or combination of shares provided for above), then, in any such event, in lieu of the number of shares of Common Stock which the holders would otherwise have been entitled to receive, each holder of Series A Preferred Stock shall have the right thereafter to convert such shares of Series A Preferred Stock into a number of shares of such other class or classes of capital stock which a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock deliverable upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock immediately before that change would have been entitled to receive in such reorganization or reclassification, all subject to further adjustment as provided herein with respect to such other shares.

Upon the occurrence of each adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price, we, at our expense, will promptly compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with the terms set forth in our charter and furnish to each holder of Series A Preferred Stock a certificate setting forth such adjustment or readjustment and showing in detail the facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based. Upon written request of any holder of Series A Preferred Stock, at any time, we will provide a certificate setting forth (i) adjustments and readjustments, (ii) the Conversion Price at the time in effect, (iii) the number of shares of Common Stock and amount, if any, of other property which at the time would be received upon the conversion of Series A Preferred Stock.

Any downward adjustment of the Conversion Price of the Series A Preferred Stock may be waived by the consent or vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of such Series A Preferred Stock either before or after the issuance causing the adjustment. Any such waiver shall bind all future holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

No fractional shares of our Common Stock will be issued to holders of the Series A Preferred Stock upon conversion. In lieu of any fractional share to which the holder would otherwise be entitled, we shall pay cash equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by the Market Value (as defined in the amendment to our charter relating to the Series A Preferred Stock) of one share of Common Stock on the date of conversion. For such purpose, all shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by each holder of Series A Preferred Stock shall be aggregated, and any resulting fractional share of Common Stock shall be paid in cash.

Reference is made to the “Description of Other Capital Stock” for a description of the rights of holders of Common Stock to be delivered upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock.

There are no sinking fund provisions with respect to our Series A Preferred Stock.

In the event that we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock at the time outstanding will be entitled to receive for each share of Series A Preferred Stock, out of our assets or proceeds thereof (whether capital or surplus) available for distribution to our shareholders, subject to the rights of our creditors, before any distribution of such assets or proceeds is made to or set aside for the holders of Common Stock and other Junior Stock as to such distribution, payment in full in an amount equal to the sum of (i) $25.00 per share of Series A Preferred Stock and (ii) the amount of any accumulated and unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, to the date of payment (such amounts collectively, the “Liquidation Preference”).

In the event that our assets available for distribution to shareholders upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, are not sufficient to pay in full the amounts payable with respect to all outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will share in any distribution of our assets in proportion to the full respective liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled.

If the Liquidation Preference has been paid in full to all holders of Series A Preferred Stock, the holders of our other capital stock will be entitled to receive all our remaining assets (or proceeds thereof) according to their respective rights and preferences. In other words, a holder of Series A Preferred Stock will not be entitled to participate twice, but rather only as a holder of Series A Preferred Stock or, in respect of shares of Series A Preferred Stock that have been converted to shares of Common Stock, as a holder of Common Stock.

For such purposes, our consolidation or merger with or into any other corporation or entity, including a merger or consolidation in which the holders of Series A Preferred Stock receive cash, securities or other property for their shares, or the sale, lease or exchange (for cash, securities or other property) of all or substantially all of our assets, shall not constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

The holders of our Series A Preferred Stock will have no voting rights, except as required by Tennessee law.

We will at all times reserve and keep available out of the authorized and unissued shares of our Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, such number of our shares of Common Stock as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the conversion of all then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock; and if at any time the number of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock shall not be sufficient to effect the conversion of all then outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, we will take such corporate action as may, in the opinion of our counsel, be necessary to increase our authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock to such number of shares as shall be sufficient for such purpose.

We are currently authorized to issue (i) 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share, and (ii) 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock.

As of March 31, 2012, there were issued and outstanding 6,500,396 shares of Common Stock and 425,369 shares of Designated Series A Preferred Stock.

All shares of Common Stock have equal voting, liquidation and dividend rights. All shares of Common Stock now outstanding are fully paid for and non-assessable.

The common stock is quoted on the OTCBB under the symbol CSBQ, but it is not listed on a national securities exchange.

Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share held on any matter submitted to a vote of shareholders. There are no cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.

The holders of outstanding shares of our Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends out of legally available funds at such times and in such amounts as our board of directors may from time to time determine. Our ability to pay dividends will be dependent on our earnings and financial condition and subject to certain restrictions imposed by state and federal laws.

No dividend will be declared or paid during any calendar year on the Common Stock unless and until there has been paid in full (or set aside for purposes of such payment) to the holders of our Series A Preferred Stock accumulated and unpaid dividends on such shares of Series A Preferred Stock through the date on which we propose to pay the cash dividend on the Common Stock.

Holders of shares of our Common Stock do not have preemptive rights to purchase additional shares of our Common Stock and have no conversion or redemption rights.

In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of our Common Stock shall be entitled to receive ratably, in cash or in kind, our assets legally available for distribution remaining after payment or provision for payment of our debts and liabilities and distributions or provision for distributions to holders of our Series A Preferred Stock and any other preferred stock that may be issued and outstanding having preference over the Common Stock.

Some provisions of our charter and bylaws and the Tennessee Business Corporation Act may be considered to have anti-takeover effects which may hinder or prevent a tender offer, proxy contest or other attempted takeover that shareholders may consider to be in their best interest. Those provisions may allow our board of directors to defend against an attempted transaction that might otherwise result in payment of a premium over the market price of our Common Stock. We describe some of these provisions below:

Special Shareholder Meetings. Our bylaws provide that special meetings of shareholders may be called by a majority of our board of directors, our president, the Commissioner of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. However, in order for our shareholders to call a special meeting, we must receive a written notice from the holders of at least ten percent or more of our outstanding shares.

Number of Directors; Vacancies. Our bylaws provide that the board of directors must consist of between nine (9) and fifteen (15) members. We currently have ten (10) directors, and our bylaws provide that the board of directors may increase the number of directors up to the maximum number of fifteen (15) without shareholder approval. Our bylaws also provide that all vacancies on our board may be filled by a majority of the remaining directors unless such vacancy was the result of a director being removed by the shareholders at any regular or special meetings of the shareholders.

Bylaw Amendments. Our bylaws provide that the bylaws may be altered, modified, amended or repealed, except for the sections related to duties, term of office and indemnification of directors, at any regular or special meeting of our board of directors where a quorum is present with a three-fourth’s vote.

The validity of the securities offered under this prospectus has been passed upon for us by Miller & Martin PLLC. Certain members of Miller & Martin PLLC hold shares of our Common Stock and our Series A Preferred Stock.

The consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of Hazlett, Lewis & Bieter, PLLC, an independent registered public accounting firm, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

We are subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act, and in accordance therewith file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information may be read and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Information may be obtained on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. Copies of such materials may also be obtained at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Such reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as those of other registrants that file electronically with the Commission, are also contained on the website maintained by the Commission at www.sec.gov.

We have filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-1, of which this prospectus is a part, registering the securities that we may offer under this prospectus. As permitted by the Commission’s rules, this prospectus does not contain all the information required to be set forth in the registration statement or filed as exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, if applicable, to any contract or other document of ours, you should refer to the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement for a copy of the referenced contract or document. Statements contained in this prospectus concerning the provisions of any such documents are necessarily summaries of those documents, and each statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the document filed with the Commission. For further information with respect to our company and the securities offered by this prospectus, we refer you to the registration statement, exhibits and schedules.

A copy of any of the documents referred to above will be furnished, without charge, by writing to us at 835 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402, Attention: Charlotte Lindeman. In addition, we maintain a corporate website, www.cscbank.com. We make available through our website, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Commission. This reference to our website is for the convenience of investors as required by the Commission and shall not be deemed to incorporate any information on the website into this registration statement, prospectus and any prospectus supplement.

The Commission allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus the information in other documents we file with the Commission, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents filed separately with the Commission. The information we incorporate by reference is an important part of this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the following documents, all of which we have previously filed with the Commission:

Any statement contained in a document that is incorporated by reference will be modified or superseded for all purposes to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus modifies or is contrary to that previous statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed a part of this prospectus except as so modified or superseded. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we are not incorporating any document or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with Commission rules.

You may request a copy of any of these filings at no cost by writing or telephoning us at Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc., 835 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402, Attention: Charlotte Lindeman, (423) 385-3000.

	Per Share		Total
Price to the public	$	25.00	$	15,000,000
Broker-dealer commissions	$	0.25	$	150,000
Proceeds, before expenses, to us	$	24.75	$	14,850,000

	Proceeds from Offering
	As of 3/31/12		100%
Gross Offering Proceeds	$	10,634,225	$	15,000,000
Maximum Amount of Potential Commissions (1)		46,970		150,000
Estimated Expenses of the Offering		192,302		206,070
Net Proceeds	$	10,394,953	$	14,643,930

High and Low Common Stock Share Price for Cornerstone					Cash Dividends Paid Per Share
	Low		High
2012 Fiscal Year
First Quarter	$	1.30	$	2.50		-
Second Quarter (through June 11, 2012)	$	1.65	$	2.50		-

2011 Fiscal Year
First Quarter	$	1.50	$	1.75		-
Second Quarter	$	0.90	$	1.55		-
Third Quarter	$	1.01	$	1.20		-
Fourth Quarter	$	0.85	$	1.50		-

2010 Fiscal Year
First Quarter	$	2.10	$	2.75		-
Second Quarter	$	1.75	$	4.75		-
Third Quarter	$	1.35	$	3.00		-
Fourth Quarter	$	1.58	$	2.00		-

Year	Record Date	Date Payable	Amount Per Share
2012	December 31, 2011	May 30, 2012	$	0.625

2011	March 31, 2011	September 28, 2011	$	0.625
	June 30, 2011	November 29, 2011	$	0.625
	September 30, 2011	February 28, 2012	$	0.625

2010	October 15, 2010	November 15, 2010	$	0.625
	December 31, 2010	May 25, 2011	$	0.625

Banking Branches	4154 Ringgold Road, East Ridge, Tennessee (owned by the Bank)
	5319 Highway 153, Hixson, Tennessee (owned by the Bank)
	2280 Gunbarrel Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee (owned by the Bank)
	8966 Old Lee Highway, Ooltewah, Tennessee (owned by the Bank)
	835 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee (leased by the Bank)

Loan Production Office	202 West Crawford Street, Dalton, Georgia (leased by the Bank)

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS	ii
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY	1
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA	7
RISK FACTORS	10
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS	20
USE OF PROCEEDS	21
DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE	22
THE OFFERING	23
MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS	25
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION	26
OUR BUSINESS	27
MANAGEMENT	35
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS	37
DESCRIPTION OF THE SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK	40
DESCRIPTION OF OTHER CAPITAL STOCK	46
VALIDITY OF THE SECURITIES	47
EXPERTS	48
WHERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT US	48
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE	49

Name	Age	Principal Occupation and Qualifications

B. Kenneth Driver	76	Vice Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Fillauer Companies, Inc., a Chattanooga based prosthetic manufacturer, since 1914. He previously served as President and Chief Operations Officer of Fillauer Companies, Inc. from 1994 to 2007. Since 2007 to present he has served as the Vice Chairman and Vice CEO of the Fillauer Companies. He has been a director of the Company since 1997. Mr. Driver has extensive experience in the matters involved in running a large public company, has served in several capacities from CFO to President and has expertise in finance and accounting, corporate governance, employee matters, and mergers and acquisitions.

Karl Fillauer	64	Chairman and CEO of Fillauer Companies, Inc., a Chattanooga based prosthetic manufacturer since 1914. He has been a director of the Company since 1997. Mr. Fillauer brings significant executive management experience and insight to the Board and is proficient in matters relating to finance and accounting, corporate governance, employee matters, and mergers and acquisitions.

David G. Fussell	65	Interim Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Unum Group, a leading worldwide provider of employee benefits insurance. Mr. Fussell was employed by Unum Group and its predecessors for 42 years, including as its Senior Vice President of Investments from 2000 to 2004. He has been a director of the Company since January 2009. As the CIO of a large public company, Mr. Fussell acquired extensive experience in matters relating to finance and accounting, corporate governance, employee matters, mergers and acquisitions, risk assessment, civic affairs, and government relations. His investment background adds material depth to the Company’s investment management and risk oversight process. In addition, he also serves on the board of several non-profit organizations.

Nathaniel F. Hughes	53	President of the Company and the Bank since November 2009. He previously served as President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank from June 2004 to November 2009. Prior to this time, Mr. Hughes served as President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank from April 2003 to June 2004, and as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank from February 1999 to April 2003. Mr. Hughes has been a director of the Company since April 2003. He has over 25 years experience in the banking and financial services industry, including expertise in finance and accounting. Mr. Hughes possesses extensive knowledge of the Company’s business and regulatory environment, including matters affecting public companies. As chief executive, he is intimately involved in the Company’s strategic vision and direction and interacts with key executives and constituents within and outside the organization. He also serves on the board of several non-profit organizations.

Name	Age	Principal Occupation	Since

Robert B. Watson	54	Executive Vice President, Senior Loan Officer	2002

Gary W. Petty, Jr.	37	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer*	2000

Anthony W. Ray, Jr.	42	Senior Vice President, Chief Risk Officer	2007