February, 2012

This month, Canaan Baptist Church will mark a major milestone as we celebrate 65 years of ministry. Its existence has been favored by God from inception to the present. The founding pastor, the late Rev. Dr. M. Cecil Mills, was given the vision to begin the congregation. But the most monumental vision was fulfilled when the congregation moved from a small edifice on Georgia Avenue, NW, to the former Gunton-Temple Memorial Presbyterian Church at the corner of 16th and Newton Streets, NW. Canaan Baptist Church was the first African-American congregation on the 16th Street corridor. The great “Mosaic Cross” which graces the front wall of the interior sanctuary, was deemed a landmark and was actually placed on postcards as a tourist attraction in Washington, DC. The Mosaic Cross was called “a masterpiece of ecclesiastical symbolism, rich in color, and [one that] dramatically sets forth the glorious truths of our Christian heritage”.

In the Bible, the ancient land of Canaan was originally inhabited by idol-worshippers and those who practiced every abomination forbidden by God. Having been freed from bondage in Egypt, Israel set out for the land that God promised to Abraham and his seed many centuries before. In due course, under the command of Joshua, Israel conquered the enemies of God and thus was able to occupy their inheritance. Although our predecessors were not enemies of God, He specifically allowed them to “hold this place” until the congregation known as Canaan Baptist Church was ready to occupy their inheritance. For Israel, Canaan was intended to be a place of rest – no more wandering through the wilderness. For Canaan Baptist Church, the same applies. More importantly, in this we also have a parallel in that we look forward to the day that our eternal inheritance is obtained in that heavenly Canaan - fought for and won at Calvary by Jesus. It is the day when the “weary [shall] be at rest” (Job 3:17).

This is an invitation for you to join us as we celebrate what God has done in the life of Canaan Baptist Church. Here we serve the One True and Living God; we recognize that we have been freed from the bondage of sin by the Blood of Jesus, and that He is our Commander. Our celebration weekend is February 17-19. We have planned a banquet, a concert, and our concluding worship service on Sunday, February 19th at 10:00am. Our celebration will be richer because of your attendance. We pray that your schedule will permit you to join us for our events. Please contact the church for details. Come rejoice with us as we   

                                                                                                             Seek, Serve and Celebrate the Savior!

Larry Owens, Jr., M.Div., Senior Pastor