About Our Church

has a rich history of faith, perseverance, and service that stretches back more than a century.

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The church began in a dwelling house on the Elizabeth Phelon Estate and was originally named Gethsemane, under the leadership of Rev. D. A. Small of Rockville, Alabama. As membership grew, the congregation decided to build a church. Logs were cut, and Rev. R. B. James and Deacon Sam Marshall hauled the logs used to construct the building. The foundation measured approximately 40 by 30 feet, and the church was covered with cypress boards. Its first seats were made from split logs dressed with a jack plane. The building served both as a church and school and was located at the Burnt Mill.

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In 1901, the congregation became known as New Canaan Baptist Church.

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The church later moved from the Burnt Mill to an old store building located near Choctaw Bluff and Gainestown Road. The building had been constructed by S. A. Taylor on property belonging to M. Condel. After an attempt to purchase two acres of land there did not work out, the congregation moved approximately one-half mile east of Choctaw Bluff and Gainestown Road.

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Another church building was constructed on the A. S. James Estate, at the old ball diamond. Materials for the frame building were purchased from Dr. D. L. Scott, approximately two miles east of the Alabama River, and transported to the site by mule team. The building was completed under the leadership of Rev. R. B. James, although the church did not have a pastor at that time.

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The congregation eventually established itself at Choctaw Bluff and Walker Springs Road. Two acres of land were purchased from Mrs. Nellie Winbush on August 2, 1919, through the efforts of Deacon A. J. Perine, Mr. Jim Carter, and Mr. Andy Goodwin for church and school purposes. This became the church's present location.

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In 1946, the church was rebuilt under the leadership of Rev. R. July. The building committee consisted of Deacon Cap Scott, Deacon C. B. James, and Deacon J. H. Collins. In 1948, the cornerstone was laid under the leadership of Rev. R. T. Johnson.

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In April 1967, construction began on a new block-and-brick church building under the leadership of Rev. Willie Griffin. J. H. Collins served as architectural contractor and supervisor, and the building committee included Deacon Dan Collins, Deacon Alpine Perine, and Deacon J. H. Collins.

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The church's first bell was a conch seashell. A second bell was purchased at the ball diamond in 1903. The document records J. S. Collins, Abe Collins, D. A. Jones, Alfred Jackson, and Iseam James among those involved with the down payment for the third bell.

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Continuing the Legacy

Rev. Willie Griffin retired in 2003 after serving as pastor for 48 years.

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Hurley James was ordained as a deacon on August 16, 1981, and served until his call into the ministry. He preached his initial sermon on October 4, 1992, and was ordained in March 1995.

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In 2003, Rev. Christopher Flott served as pastor. James Campbell preached his initial sermon on June 6, 2004. The church was without a pastor during 2004–2005, and Rev. Van Williams Sr. served as pastor from 2006–2008.

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In February 2007, three deacons were ordained: Archie Rocker, Jerry Perine Sr., and James T. Rocker. James Campbell was ordained on February 25, 2007.

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The following years brought continued growth and development:

• 2008: Church renovations were completed.

• 2009: New Canaan was without a pastor.

• 2010: Hurley James was elected pastor.

• 2011: The church purchased 1.96 acres of land to expand the cemetery.

• 2013: Victor Todd Sr. preached his initial sermon. A new church sign was completed, and a monitor and sound system were purchased.

• 2015: A plaque was dedicated to New Canaan Missionary Baptist Church in recognition of Sis. Annie Perine's 100th birthday celebration, with acknowledgment from President Barack Obama.

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A Legacy That Continues

From worshiping in a dwelling house and sitting on handmade log benches to establishing a permanent church home, New Canaan's history reflects generations of people committed to God, one another, and their community.

Today, New Canaan Missionary Baptist Church continues that legacy under the leadership of Pastor Hurley James Sr., carrying forward the faith and sacrifice of those who came before while continuing its mission of leading people to Jesus Christ and into a growing relationship with Him and one another.