About Us:

Mt. Canaan Baptist Church was organized on August 12, 1900 with Rev. John Curtis and others seeking to fulfill God's will. The church originated in a house on Arsenal Avenue with weekly prayer meetings. The organizers were few in number, but great in spiritual strength. Organizers were:

• Rev. Albert Sanders;
• Rev. Steven Wood;
• Rev. J. Lester;
• Rev. G. W. Briggs;
• Rev. George Morris;
• Rev. Calvin Jones;
• Sis. Elsie Cummings;
• Sis. Martha Doyle; and
• Sis. Nancy Sanders.

Rev. Sam Walker presided over the organization and Rev. Albert Sanders became the pastor. Four deacons were ordained. Land was purchased for $150.00 to build a church.
In 1920, Rev. Albert Sanders resigned. Rev. Charles Gardner replaced him for one year. During this time, Rev. Green was licensed to preach.

In 1921, Rev. Judson L. Bennett was called to pastor. In 1928, a fire destroyed the church on East Avenue. In April 1928, they marched with undying faith to our present site. At this time, "Greater" was added to the church's name.

Rev. Bennett died in Feb. 1932. Rev. C. E. Green was called to pastor. In Dec. 1932, Rev. John Paul Murphy was called to pastor. Rev. Murphy resigned in March 1934 to pastor Liberty Baptist Church. In 1934, Rev. Gary Lewis Gaines was called to pastor. He resigned in 1955.

In 1956, Rev. Bennie Irvin Vernon was called to pastor. Jacob C. Trowell was licensed and ordained. Rev. Vernon resigned in 1959 to pastor Beulah Grove Baptist Church. In 1959, Rev. Nathaniel Irvin, Sr. was called to pastor. Under his pastorate, many members were added to the church. Many physical improvements were made and the lot next to the church was purchased. Many ministries were organized.

Dea. Charles E. Smith and Bro. Albert James announced their call to preach. Dea. Smith and Trustee Willie Rivers were ordained July 6, 1980. After 21 years of service, Rev. Irvin resigned as pastor in May of 1980 to become pastor at Old Storm Branch Baptist Church.
On October 16, 1980, Rev. Louis T. Coley, Jr. was called to pastor. In Jan. 1982, Trustee Rudolph Mayes was called to preach. A junior deacon ministry was organized. Two lots were purchased and one building was used for the Youth Church. In April 1990, Rev. Coley resigned.

On December 3, 1990, Rev. Jerome Anderson was called to preach. A secretary was hired for three days a week for four hours. Rev. Anderson resigned in Dec. 1995.

On May 22, 1996, Rev. Victor R. Thomas was chosen to pastor. Four lots were purchased for our current multi-purpose building and spacious parking lot. Our Outreach Ministry in the neighborhood has been revived with God's help. Pastor Thomas' vision for a summer camp came to fruition with the children being blessed with Camp Canaan. The director is our first lady, Sis. Rosa Thomas. A playground was also added for the children of Mt. Canaan to enjoy. Additional ministries added include The Prison Ministry; The Evangelism Ministry; and the Nursing Home Ministry.

Family and Friends' Day was initiated in September of 2004. The purpose of this event is to enhance the vision of Pastor Thomas for continual growth of the church. This is an annual event and has been chaired by Sis. Delores Bentley since it's inception.

The Children's Department was restructured with Trustee T. Christopher Johnson, Director of the Brotherhood Ministry, serving as Youth Minister. The youth participate in many outreach activities.

In February 2008, Pastor Thomas saw the need for a marriage workshop, so, he and the Christian Education Department initiated the first Marriage Retreat. During June 16-20, 2008, under the leadership and direction of Dr. Thomas, the community churches, Cumming Grove, Elim, Rock of Ages, and Greater Mt. Canaan united together and had a Community Vacation Bible School. The community churches also work together and have Community Bible Study once a quarter.We are a Missionary Baptist Church that professes the mission of God's church, which is to share, inspire and apply the Word with all of God's people through the spirit of Love. The Pastor, Dr. Victor R. Thomas, and church family have been ordained by God to share the greatest law of all: LOVE. We respect and realize the potential gift and strengths of each and every individual. We are a Baptist church that greets you with open arms in a positive environment of Fellowship.

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STATEMENT of FAITH

• The Bible is the infallible Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and contains every answer to man's problems. 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21
  

• There is one God, existing eternally in three persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. John 10:30; John 14:26; Philippians 2:5-7
  

• God is Love and He loves all people. It is His desire to reach out to those who are poor, oppressed, widowed or orphaned, and to heal the brokenhearted. 1 John 4:16
  

• Man is created in the image of God but separated from God by sin. Without Jesus we cannot have a relationship with God. Genesis 1:26; 1 Timothy 2:5
  

• We can have a personal relationship with God through salvation, God's free gift to man. It is not a result of what we do, but it is only available through God's unearned favor. By admitting we have sinned and believing in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, and accepting Him as Lord, we can spend eternity with God. Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans 5:1; Romans 3:24
  

• We believe in water baptism, as taught and demonstrated by Jesus, as the way for believers to identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Matthew 28:19; Matthew 3:13-17
  

• The Bible describes hell as a real place. It is a place of suffering and a place of permanent separation from God for those who die without accepting Christ. God's desire is that no one be separated from Him for eternity, which is why He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth. Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:12-15; John 3:16-18
  

• Jesus will return and take all those who have accepted Him as Savior to heaven for eternity. Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Hebrews 9:28

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For more information, you may call us at:

Office:	706.738.4930
Fax:	706.738.1212

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Or you may email us:

General Information:	Info@MtCanaanBaptist.Com
Church Secretary:	GPrince@MtCanaanBaptist.Com
Pastor Thomas:	Pastor@MtCanaanBaptist.Com