Events and Information

At Thomas Waring and Archibald Perry Plantation

Before 1863 and 1865 the Negro slaves on the Perry plantation were not allowed to worship God by their slave masters, but they held secret prayer meetings in a neighbor’s house. The African slaves were not permitted to have Bibles or other books to read.  The prayer meeting in a neighbor’s house was the origin of the church.

Freed African Slaves 1863 and 1865

The slave trade and slavery was abolished in the United States of America and other parts of the world.  The slaves in Perry plantation were free to worship, to read the Bible and many books in the open places.  Abram Glenn, one of the visionary freed slaves, let the folks hold prayers in his house.  Later with a change of heart, Thomas Waring donated a piece of land at a place known as Roslin Hill to the freed slaves to build the first church.

First Church at Roslin Hill 1868

The first church was built by the following ambitious fathers: Abram Glenn, Peter Ancrum, Billy Flood, Cain Pinckney, Timothy Smalls, and other who lived in Perry plantation.  When the church was completed, they named it Pine Hill.  The members from Canaan area and Clubhouse increased in numbers to build another church.  The families living in Clubhouse came up with a plan to build another church in 1883, and they named it Sand Hill.  Pine Hill and Sand Hill continued to be served by outside missionary preachers until 1893.

After 1893, South Carolina United Methodist Conference started sending pastors to Canaan/Sand Hill.  As the years progressed, the Ridgeville Charge was formed.  It consisted of Pine Hill, Sand Hill, Enoch Chapel, and New Hope.  The four churches were under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Methodist Conference.

Bush Tent 1913

The leaders of Pine Hill bought a piece of land and build a temporary dwelling to hold prayers in while the construction of a new church was going on.  The Bush Tent leaders were: Francis Hopkins, L.D. Felder, Oliver Perry, Solomon Codes, K.D. Asborne, and Thomas Williams.  Brother Hopkins named the Bush Tent “Canaan Church.”  In October 1914, the ground was broken under the leadership of Reverend L.J. Bonepart to build a new chapel.  In 1915, the church was completed and the members moved in to praise the Lord.

1939 Plan for a Bigger Church

The planning committee under the leadership of Reverend E. Charley built another church to meet the needs of the growing congregation.

1967 Modern Bricks Church (present church)

It was a proud groundbreaking year under Reverend P. Sumter.  Canaan took a big step to build a modern brick church to worship in.  This new chapel was needed to accommodate the growing members.

1970-1983 and before Canaan was served by the following pastors: Rev. L.J. Bonepart, Rev. H. Steward, Rev. J.G. Stokes, Rev. W.C. Summers, Rev. E.F. Tobin, Rev. E.S. Charley, Rev. W.B. McKay, Rev. N.W. Jones, Rev. J.L. Summers, Rev. J.B. Bowens, Rev. J.A. Croaker, Rev. E.M. McCants, Rev. N.M. Friday, Rev. E.F. Hayes, Rev. A.P. Sumter, Rev. J.D. Devore, Rev. J.C. McTeer, Rev. W.C. Kearns and Rev. Eugene McCants.

1983 – Reverend Timothy Bowman came to Canaan.  During his leadership, Canaan raised money to maintain the present chapel and pay off parsonage mortgage.  In 1985 Canaan bought an acre of land and the following year two more acres were added.  Canaan members wanted a paved parking lot and 75% was done by 1986.

1998 – Reverend JC Lane was appointed to lead Canaan. He energized the members to raise money to build a new Family Life Center and to pay off the mortgage in less than five years.  He also started to rally Canaan to continue to raise funds to erect another church.

2008 – Reverend Mack C. McClam and the first lady Gwendolyn came to Canaan from Lake City, SC. In May 2011, he finished the largest youth confirmation class for Canaan/Sand Hill churches and took them to Georgia to the oldest Jewish synagogue in North America.  He started ITC certificate in theology program to educate the surrounding communities.  The first graduates of the program finished in 2011; the second class completed in 2012.  He also established the W.E.L. (We Enjoy Living) Club which is open to the community.  The mission of the W.E.L. Club is to create an atmosphere for fun and enjoyment that will enrich the lives of seniors and retirees through fellowship, Bible study, field trips, workshops, and celebrations of special events.

2009 – Reverend Paige Roper was licensed in May 2009 and appointed as an associate pastor of Canaan/Sand Hill churches.  She resigned her position in July 2013 and continues to serve the Lord in other areas.  She is a true preacher, teacher, and humble child of God.

2015 – Rev. Jack C. Washington and First Lady Johanna Washington came to us during the year of the flood.  After the flood made the church and Family Life Center unusable for worship, we worshiped with Sand Hill for six months as the Family Life Center was being renovated. On April 10, 2016, Rev. Washington led a rededication service that was documented on the news.

2016 – Rev. Jeffrey Salley became the shepherd of our flock.  Under his leadership, we are making plans for a new sanctuary.  Rev. Lillie Kerns-Davis served as associate pastor for one year as well. In 2017, the church purchased a bus that has helped to accentuate and support our ministries.  In 2019, the charge was blessed to be able to burn the mortgage for our parsonage.

Canaan has grown sons and daughters who became pastors to serve its members and other churches.  Those include – Rev. Melvin Flood, Rev. Roosevelt Geddis, Rev. Willard Geddis, Rev. Wendell Sumter, Rev. Jerome Grant, Rev. Nathaniel Evans, Rev. Franklin Duberry, Rev. Solomon Rice, Rev. Muriel Scott, Elder Harry Geddis, Min. Paige Roper, Rev. Edna Dingle, Rev. Mark Mitchell, and Rev. Andrea Middleton King. There are other persons from Canaan who have contributed to the history of the church and our thanks go to them.

Canaan’s history is on the move, and there is more to come!