Arts & Entertainment, City Life
Bessemer church celebrates 200th Anniversary
Article and picture courtesy of The Cutoff News: On Sunday, September 9, 2018, Canaan Baptist Church celebrated its 200th year in existence. The celebration started with a greeting for Alabama Baptist from Dr. Rick Lance, followed by a presentation from the Historical Commission from Dr. Lonette Berg. Pastor Morgan Bailey recognized the Bicentennial team. The multigenerational chair sang “Find Us Faithful” a song commissioned in celebration of the 200th Anniversary of Canaan Baptist Church. Then congregation singing Victory In Jesus. Pastor Morgan Bailey gave the Invocation, Welcome and Recognition of Special Guest. “Days Of Elijah” was sung by the Welcome Chorus and then the congregation sang “O The Blood Medley.” A special video of the history of the church was shown. Sandra Hunt presented a special song while the offering was taken. Pastor Morgan introduced the special guest speaker Dennis Swanberg “America’s Minister of Encouragement.” Closing remarks were given by Pastor Morgan Bailey, and the benediction was given by Reverend Dr. Barry Cosper, Director of the Bessemer Baptist Association. There were two services at 8:00 AM, and 10:30 AM. The church celebrated its 200th Anniversary all year long with special events and then held a big celebration for their 200th Anniversary on September 9, 2018. Canaan Baptist Church was birthed on September 5, 1818, in a sparsely populated territory, which soon became America’s 22nd State, Alabama. Eighteen charter members led by Mr. John Henry, a licensed preacher from Tennessee, constituted the church. Meetings were held in homes for the first six years in the area now known as Jonesboro. The first church building was constructed in 1824 near the current entrance to Cedar Hill Cemetery where some early members are buried. It wasn’t until 1856 that land was given on which the church now stands. From its inception, Canaan was a missionary church by planting other churches and birthing associations. New churches helped congregants have a place of worship closer to their homes in a day when travel was difficult at best. Read more here:
