Historic Mt. Canaan Church: 156 Years of Faith, Freedom, and Legacy

Old Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church
Photo Courtesy : Luther Toliver & Grace Belvins Walker

Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church was formally established in the year 1869 within the modest and humble setting of a log cabin situated on the Gus Sanders property across Big Creek.  This significant establishment was made possible through the dedicated and collaborative efforts of several individuals, including Reverend Riley Vernon, Deacon Bookter, Frank Brumfield, Hugh Stokes, and Robert Vernon, as well as Brother Sam ?, Louis Vernon, Jordan Lampkins, and Sam Tyson, Sr., with Reverend M. Allen serving as the pastor during this formative and pivotal period of Reconstruction in Louisiana. To better accommodate its members by centralizing the distance they needed to travel, the church building was later relocated to its present location, slightly north of the original site. The land for this relocation was generously donated by Deacon Robert "Free Bob" Louis Vernon, Jr., further underscoring the community's commitment to the church's growth and accessibility. With unwavering determination and diligent effort, significant endeavors were undertaken to accomplish the construction, enhancement, and ongoing maintenance of the church facility. 

Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptiat Church
Arocla, Louisiana
Photo Courtesy of Luther Toliver  

The pastors who served included Reverends M. Allen, Mayaan Gilmore, Sam Jackson, Joe Daniels, Reubin Kendrick,  Reverend Rudolph Lewis Primus, G. W. Ross, S. L. Combs,  James Jim Vernon, the son of Robert" Free Bob" Louis Vernon, Jr., and Catherine Tuckson Vernon,  Watt Mixon, L.C. Carter, H. M. McCoy, Robert Vernon, III, and D. J. Johnson. In the early 1950s, during the tenure of Reverend Johnson, the first modern structure was constructed. This building was designed by a member of Mt. Canaan, the late Brother Louis Vernon, an  architec and graduate of Howard Unversity. The facility underwent significant improvements and necessary remodeling to enhance its functionality and appearance. It was within this facility that Reverend Rudolph Lewis  Primus was called to serve and began his leadership. Reverend Primus was a dedicated and energetic man of God, committed to the diligent pursuit of upholding God's Kingdom while advancing the church through its renovations. He also took proactive steps to encourage the congregation to reestablish its connection with the Third District of the Bogue Chitto Baptist Church Association. Additionally, his wife, Daisy Primus, played a supportive role alongside him in these endeavors.

Reverend Primus's wife, Daisy Primus, worked closely alongside her husband, dedicating her time and energy to supporting the youth in their community and church. She played a significant role in the establishment of an organized Bible Vacation School and took the initiative to organize the junior choir. Her contributions were both impactful and enduring, and she will be fondly remembered by many for her dedication and efforts. 

Present Day
Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

In the year 1985, Reverend Primus formally resigned from his position as pastor. Reverend Richard took over the role of shepherd leader of the congregation. Shortly thereafter, the Board of Health condemned the church facility, leading to its closure. As a result, the members of the church began holding their services at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Natalbany, Louisiana. Reverend Brumfield served as the pastor, and Minister John Smith acted as the associate minister.

During this challenging period, the members of the congregation diligently and prayerfully sought divine guidance to determine the path forward. In time, their perseverance was rewarded when, in 1988, Deacon Marvin Vernon generously donated the property that would become the site of the new church. The construction of the new structure was undertaken by the Hurst brothers, who served as the contractors for the project. The building was completed, and the dedication services for the new facility were conducted in August 1989, marking a significant milestone in the church's history under the continued leadership of Reverend Brumfield.

Reverend Brumfield faithfully served as pastor of Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church for seven years until his untimely passing left the congregation deeply grieved and uncertain about the future. In this time of loss and disorientation, Elder John Smith, who had grown up in the community and was a member of Mt. Canaan, stepped forward as associate pastor. He provided stability by holding the congregation together and assuming interim pastor duties.Through his dedicated service, he met the needs of the church, allowing members to mourn and recover from Reverend Brumfield's loss. The congregation respected and followed Elder John Smith's leadership, viewing him as a trusted shepherd. In recognition of his commitment and effectiveness, the following year, he was called to serve as pastor of Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, a position he continues to hold as pastor, teacher, and spiritual guide. Some of the members of Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church split between 1984-1985. The members who left the original Mt. Canaan organized a corporation on December 28, 1985. They became Mt. Canaan  Baptist Church of Roseland, Louisiana. 

Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church Choir
Photo Courtesy of Luther Toliver

Source: Mt. Missionary Baptist Church, Arcola, Louisiana.