Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church at Tangipahoa Tourism

John "Tree" Smith
Pastor of Mt. Canaan
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Today, we proudly placed the Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church and Robert "Free Bob" Louis Vernon, Jr. historical brochure at the Tangipahoa Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau (Tangipahoa Tourism), making this important piece of local history available to visitors from across the region.

Pastor John "Tree" Smith of Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church was honored to see the church's history represented in a way that invites tourists and community members alike to discover its remarkable legacy. The brochure highlights the story of a church that has faithfully served the community for more than 157 years, as well as the extraordinary life of Robert "Free Bob" Louis Vernon, Jr., whose vision and generosity helped establish the church, school, and cemetery. By placing these brochures at Tangipahoa Tourism, we hope to encourage travelers, researchers, students, and local residents to explore this rich history and visit the historical marker. Preserving and sharing our stories ensures that the legacy of those who came before us will continue to educate and inspire future generations. 

The rich history found across the railroad tracks in Arcola, Louisiana, holds an important piece of the puzzle in understanding the history of Tangipahoa Parish. It was here, during the Reconstruction Era, that formerly enslaved men and women began building new lives grounded in faith, education, landownership, and community.

Among Reconstruction's most enduring legacies is Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, established in 1869, the same year Tangipahoa Parish was created. On March 6, 1869, the Louisiana Legislature formed Tangipahoa Parish from portions of Livingston, St. Helena, Washington, and St. Tammany Parishes, creating a new parish during one of the most transformative periods in American history.

Glyniss Vernon Gordon
5th Great-Granddaughter of
 "Free Bob"
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

The story of Mt. Canaan is inseparable from the story of Tangipahoa Parish itself. As the new parish emerged, African American communities were laying their own foundations for the future. Churches such as Mt. Canaan became more than places of worship, they served as schools, meeting places, centers of civic leadership, and symbols of hope. The land donated by Robert "Free Bob" Louis Vernon, Jr. provided a place where generations could worship, receive an education, and be buried with dignity. That is exactly what Free Bob has in mind for his family and community. Today that gift keep on giving and that what's important. 

To truly understand the history of Tangipahoa Parish, one must look beyond political boundaries and official records to the communities that shaped its character. Across the railroad tracks in Arcola stands a living testament to Reconstruction a place where faith, freedom, education, and perseverance came together to build a lasting legacy. The history of Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church is not simply the history of one congregation; it is a vital chapter in the history of Tangipahoa Parish and the African American experience in Louisiana.