THIRTY-FIFTH CHURCH ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATION

Of

Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, Inc.

Sunday, April 12, 2015 11:00 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.

“A New Day Is On the Way”

!

“THE END OF YOUR SEARCH FOR A FRIENDLY CHURCH – A PLACE OF PRAYER”

1117 Beaman Lake Rd., Knoxville, TN 37914 Church phone: (865) 524-2842/ Fax: 524-1445

Church email: Canaancc@bellsouth.net Website - www.canaanbaptistchurchinc.com or www.cbcck.com

Like us on facebook: Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, Inc.

Reverend A. Gene Thomas, Jr., Senior Pastor

A Word from Our Pastor

Beloved Brothers and Sisters,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I pray all is well and favorable in the lives of God’s chosen people.

Almighty God has granted to us Grace and Mercy to see another Canaan Anniversary. This anniversary is historical. It marks the first time in Canaan’s history since its birth that a new pastor has been elected and installed. It is indeed an honor and privilege as pastor of Canaan to join the body of Christ to rejoice and celebrate another anniversary.

Our Canaan family, both past and present members, will take this day to reflect back on former achievements and milestones, as well as share the vision of our current season of building; and declare boldly “A New Day Is on the Way.”

We honor on the Lord’s Day our former pastor, the Reverend Dr. Harold Middlebrook, who founded and formed Canaan thirty-five years ago, by the power of the Holy Ghost. We also pay honor to the first born son of the Canaan Baptist Church of Christ ministry, Reverend Dr. Kenneth Calvert, and we welcome the Shiloh Baptist Church family of Kingsport, TN.

As we march forward in days and years to come here at Canaan, let us touch and agree as the body of Christ, the words of our Lord Jesus, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”

Sincerely Yours,

Pastor A. Gene Thomas, Jr.

Our Chairpersons

���

��� Mother Margaret Hall Sister Yvonne Billingsley Anniversary Chairperson Anniversary Co-Chairperson

To God be the glory for the great things he has done in the life of Canaan Baptist Church of Christ. He has allowed us to see Thirty-five years. We have come through good times and bad, and we’ve seen [church] family members cross on over to the other side since this time last year; but, through it all, God has been by our side every step of the way.

God is preparing our hearts and minds to be ready to enter into a new phase of our building, and we are so excited! We pray God will continue to lead and guide us, and we pledge to continue to follow Him.

It is a privilege and honor to serve as this year’s anniversary co-chairs. We thank God for blessing us to see a new day coming Canaan’s way.

OUR MORNING PREACHER Reverend Dr. Harold Middlebrook, Sr.,

Pastor Emeritus

Rev. Harold A. Middlebrook, Sr., was born in Memphis, TN on July 4, 1942. He attended LaRose Elementary, Porter Junior High and Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis. He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, LeMoyne-Owen College and Memphis Theological Seminary in Memphis; and the University of Tennessee – Knoxville. While a student at Booker T. Washington he was part of the “Youth Volunteers” and was active in the campaign of A.W. Willis, the first African American to seek the mayor’s office. Rev. Middlebrook was also active in voter registration (led by the Bluff City Council of Civic Clubs); and as an NAACP youth council member in the sit-ins in Memphis. Upon entering Morehouse College, he became involved with the Committee On Appeal for Human Rights and was arrested in the sit-ins in Atlanta. As a result of Atlanta involvement, he participated in the forming of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (S.N.C.C.). He was later employed by the Southern Christian leadership Conference (SCLC), as one of the first field workers. His involvement

included: Birmingham, Gadsden, Dothan, Tuscaloosa & Selma, Alabama; Danville, VA; St. Augustine, FL; Memphis, TN, Tunica and Grenada, MS.

He has served as an organizer for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and as a special representative for the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union (now known as U.N.I.T.E.). Dr. Middlebrook was part of the leadership of Community On the Move of Equality (COME), the movement in Memphis involved in the Sanitation Strike and Black Monday campaign concerned with the Memphis City Schools (1968-69). He was present at the Lorraine Hotel when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed.

He moved to Knoxville in February, 1977, to become pastor of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. In April, 1980, Dr. Middlebrook became the founding pastor of the Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, Inc. Dr. Middlebrook has served as Vice-President (4 times) and President (3 times) of the Knoxville Interdenominational Christian Ministerial Alliance (KICMA); President of the Tennessee Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention and is presently serving a second term as Moderator of the Knoxville District Baptist Missionary and Educational Association, Inc. He has served as Assistant General Secretary of the 8.5 million member National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. He is founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Commission of Greater Knoxville, Inc., and has served as chairman of the Association of Christian Denominational Leaders, Inc. Dr. Middlebrook has served as a Trustee at the former Morristown College, Morristown, TN; and LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis.

Under the leadership of Dr. Middlebrook, Canaan formed the Canaan Baptist Housing Corporation, in 1980, which received a loan from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for $3,855,200.00 to construct the 101 apartment complex, Golden Age Retirement Village. The church also formed the Canaan Health Care Corporation, which received a Certificate of Need for the establishment of the Holston Healthcare Center, now operated by St. Mary’s Health Systems.

Dr. Middlebrook has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, the most recent being the “Whitney M. Young Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Knoxville Area Urban League and the Nation Builder’s Award from the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.

Dr. Middlebrook and former First Lady Betty Mock Middlebrook are the parents of Sherry, Al and Shea; grandparents of Danielle and Harold, III (Little Al) and great-grandparents of Darrion and Kasia.

! !

! !

!

MORNING WORSHIP April 12, 2015 11:00 A.M.

DEVOTIONALS Deacons & Worship Leaders *** *CALL TO WORSHIP Mother Eliza Harris “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him”. John 4:23

*OPENING HYMN “There Is a Fountain” No. 142

*RESPONSIVE READING Selection 617 – God’s House Sister Margarette Davis *** *ALTAR PRAYER Brother Xzavian Wrushen CHORAL WORSHIP Canaan Mass Choir CHILDREN’S SERMONETTE Sister Alicia Lewis PARISH CONCERNS & WELCOME Brother Robert DuBose *** TITHES & OFFERINGS Brother Warren Wade *CHORAL RESPONSE

“All things come of Thee, O Lord, and of Thine own, have we given Thee. Amen”

PRESENTATION OF THE PREACHER Pastor Thomas CHORAL WORSHIP Canaan Mass Choir SERMON Reverend Dr. Harold Middlebrook, Pastor Emeritus THE INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP THE PARTING OF WAYS

*THE CONGREGATION STANDS ***LATE WORSHIPERS MAY ENTER

NOTES FROM THE MESSAGE

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Harold Middlebrook

Scripture:

Subject:

Reverend Dr. Kenneth Calvert

!

The Reverend Dr. Kenneth Calvert is the Senior Pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church of Kingsport, TN. He accepted the call to the pastorate of Shiloh on July 7, 1991. He is the sixth Pastor in Shiloh’s history.

Dr. Calvert is a native of Westpoint, Mississippi, the seventh son of Vance and the late Flora Calvert. He attended the public schools of Westpoint and is a graduate of Knoxville College. He received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Tennessee School of Religion, at Memphis, TN. He has been involved in graduate studies at East Tennessee State University.

He has served as Moderator of the Bethel District Baptist Missionary and Educational Association, and has served as President of the Greater Kingsport Ministerial Alliance. A very involved citizen of Kingsport, he is a member of the boards of Holston Home form Children; Friends in Need (community medical program); and Emergency 911 Board. He has served as a member of the Steering Committee and Task Team Leader of Kingsport Tomorrow and past Vice-president of the Kingsport Branch NAACP.

Dr. Calvert is a former Associate Pastor and charter member of Canaan Baptist Church. He served as chairman of the Constitution Committee during Canaan’s development.

Pastor Calvert is married to Minister Linda Wilson Calvert, a Dean at Northeast State Technical Community College.

! !

AFTERNOON WORSHIP

April 12, 2015 3:30 p.m.

Call to Worship Sister Nicole Brooks

“What agreement has the temple of god with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” 2 Cor. 6:16

Period of Prayer Trustee Thomas McDaniel, Sr.

Welcome Sister Jessica Hill

Selection Selections Shiloh Baptist Church Choir

Offering Anniversary Finance Committee & Rev. Calvert

Selections Shiloh Baptist Church

Historical Highlights Sister Audrey Wrushen

Presentation of Preacher Rev. A. Gene Thomas

Selection Shiloh Baptist Church

Proclamation of the Word Dr. Kenneth Calvert, Pastor, Shiloh Baptist Church, Kingsport, TN

Invitation to Discipleship

Remarks Mother Margaret Hall & Sister Yvonne Billingsley Pastor Thomas

Final Remarks/Parting of Ways Rev. Calvert

NOTES FROM THE MESSAGE

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Kenneth Calvert

Scripture:

Subject:

CANAAN BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHRIST, INC. CHURCH HISTORY

Out of a yearning and serious desire to worship and serve God in a Christian like way, a small group of people, all members of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, came together on February 2, 1980, to discuss ways of developing an effective and meaningful witness for Christ in the Knoxville community. This group met at 1945 Dandridge Avenue, and after much prayer and discussion, it was decided that a church should be formed.

With no money, land, place to worship, or parsonage, the group having increased in number, came together again, with the Reverend Harold A. Middlebrook, Sr., at the Prince Hall Village Center, 2048 Dandridge Avenue, on Saturday, February 9, 1980, and chose the name Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, Inc. Deacons chosen to serve were: Ernest Mynatt, Jr., John Jordan, Sr., Kenneth Robinson, Jr., Aaron Webb, Woodrow Harris, LeRoy Penson, and James Stephens. Later, Cohen Willis was added. Interim church officers elected were: Jacqueline Westfield, Secretary/Clerk; Marie Webb, Assistant Secretary/Clerk; Ross Jones, Sr., Treasurer; Thomas Clark, Financial Secretary; and Lillian Coleman, Coordinator of Music. Addie Sharp and Blanche Cowan were chosen Mothers of the Church. A Site Committee was formed to begin searching for a place in which Canaan might worship. The group began work on a constitution, and the date of April 6, 1980 was chosen for the first formal worship service. Each Saturday thereafter, whatever the weather, the Canaan Fellowship gathered for prayer and to continue the development of a constitution. During this period the church voted to purchase 300 hymnals, 300 folding chairs, a piano, communion equipment, offering trays, and pulpit furniture.

On Sunday, April 6, 1980, Canaan held its first worship service at the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA, 124 S. Cruze Street, with Reverend Harold Middlebrook, preaching "JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING." Music was furnished by the University of Tennessee's Baptist Student Union Choir; under the direction of Mr. Victor L. Cranford and Mr. Ronald Stewart at the piano.

At the 6:00 p.m. organizational service, the Reverends Wm. D. Booth, W.C. Parker, J. Paul Jones, R.E. James, G.D. Brantley, C.W. Matthews, W.F. Hawkins, Byron G. Ragsdale and Jesse Williams, formally organized the Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, Inc. The membership adopted the Constitution, signed the Charter, and elected the Reverend Harold A. Middlebrook, Sr., as the church's pastor. Deacons were consecrated by Pastor Middlebrook and guest ministers.

The first revival was begun on April 21, 1980, and ended on April 25, 1980, with the Reverend J.B. Gaines, Pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church, Kingsport, Tennessee as the evangelist.

On Sunday, April 18, 1980, the church met in a called meeting, and voted to purchase a sixty-six (66) passenger bus.

The Reverend Willis E. Whitley, a 17 year old minister from Cleveland, Ohio conducted the first Youth Crusade, July 7-11, 1980, which culminated with the First Youth Day, on Sunday, July 13th, with the Reverend Michael Eric Dyson, as speaker.

In December of 1980, the Canaan Baptist Housing Corporation was formed to explore the possibility of constructing housing for the elderly and handicapped. Canaan began purchasing 27.75 acres of land on Beaman Lake Road to erect a tabernacle in which to worship God, and hopefully housing for the elderly and handicapped. On September 22, 1981, the official "Letter of Reservation of Funds" was received informing the Housing Corporation of a loan of $3,855,200.00 with which to construct 101 units of housing. In our third year, we experienced continued spiritual and financial growth. Fifty-five new souls were added to the church. We started a Mission Outreach program that included hospital, nursing homes, colleges and prisons.

During 1982, we were able to complete payments on the church bus, piano, chairs, office equipment and 27.75 acres of land. We were also able to purchase and complete payments on folding tables.

On September 26, 1982, ground-breaking ceremonies were held for the Golden Age Retirement Village. Many of our friends were present for this event. The late John J. Duncan, Sr., Congressman from the Second District of Tennessee was our principal speaker. This was indeed a day of jubilee!

On Sunday, January 9, 1983, we held our first worship service at 3917 McCalla Avenue, after having worshipped at the Phylis Wheatley YWCA, since April 6, 1980. The Sunday morning message was "SHELTER IN THE ROCKS." Truly, the spirit of God filled our hearts and souls, as we gave thanks. Canaan, being guided by the Holy Spirit and led by Pastor Middlebrook, approved the construction of Phase I of a five phase building plan.

On April 10, 1983, ground-breaking ceremonies were held for Phase I, the Fellowship Hall, on the church owned property on Beaman Lake Road. The theme for this event was "The Church and Pastor: Working on the Building." The speakers for the day were the Reverends Herman Powell, Pastor of the Early Grove Baptist Church, Memphis, TN and C.H. Charlton, Pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church, Johnson City, TN. Other area ministers and friends also shared this wonderful occasion with us.

Through the efforts of our Youth Committee, under the leadership of Sister Cynthia Reece, chairman of the Youth Advisory Committee, our first Vacation Bible School was held during the week of June 27 through July 1, 1983, with an average daily attendance of over ninety (90) people, ages two (2) through adult. Sister Judy Carpenter served as Director and Sister Carolyn Byas as Assistant Director.

Continuing to be led by the Holy Spirit, Canaan marked another milestone in her short history on Sunday, August 21, 1983. With the supportive help of members and friends, the Canaan family journeyed by foot and in cars from 3917 McCalla Avenue to her new home at 1117 Beaman Lake Road. Phase I, the Fellowship Hall, was built at a cost of $230,000.00.

Accompanied by members of Elk Lodges, Masonic Temples, and area churches, we praised God for the blessing He had bestowed on us. The Reverend J.L. Netters, Pastor of the Mt. Vernon

Baptist Church-Westwood, Memphis, TN and the Reverend W.C. Parker, Pastor of our sister church, Peace and Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church, Knoxville, were our guests for the day.

In October 1983, formal ribbon cutting ceremonies were held to mark the official opening of the Golden Age Retirement Village.

During the week of October 22-25, 1984, Canaan entertained the One Hundred and Twelfth (112th) Annual Session of the Tennessee Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention and its President, The Reverend Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum. Although many said it could not be done, in the tradition of Canaan and with God's help, this proved to be a most successful and spiritually enriching session.

Since 1984, Canaan has been involved in serving the total Knoxville community; she has been involved in mission and witnessing, not only in Knoxville, but throughout the Southeast.

On April 7, 1985, as part of the church's Fifth Anniversary celebration, the Reverend Kenneth Calvert was ordained, thus making him the first Associate Pastor at Canaan. The Reverend W.C. Parker presided, and the Reverend Floizell Wilson of West Point, Mississippi (Rev. Calvert's father-in-law) was the preacher.

In December 1986, the Canaan Health Care Corporation was established to develop a facility for the treatment of the medical needs of East Knoxvillians. In 1986, Canaan began the purchase of a two (2) bedroom house at 1116 Beaman Lake Road (directly across from the church).

In January 1989, Canaan was the recipient of a Hammond organ given by Ms. Patsy Lavender and her brother, Mr. Brice Lavender. This gift was made possible through the efforts of Mrs. Mary R. West, Mrs. Lee S. Green and Ms. Peggie Howard. Canaan was also blessed this year to be the recipient of a fifteen-passenger van given to the church by one of our former deacons-Brother Ernest Reece.

March 22, 1989 will always be a historic day for Canaan, when the Canaan Health Care Corporation received a "Certificate of Need" from the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission, to permit us to construct a 100 bed skilled and intermediate care nursing home. This was accomplished amidst stiff opposition from the other Knoxville Nursing Home owners. On Tuesday, February 20, 1990, the Knoxville City Council approved the rezoning of acreage for the Canaan Health Care Center.

In October 1992, Pastor Middlebrook was elected to the Presidency of the Tennessee Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention in its One Hundred and Twenty-first (121st) Annual Session, held at the World Baptist Center, in Nashville, TN.

The Senior Mission re-instituted the Nursing Home Ministry in January 1995. Two local nursing homes, Hillcrest-West and South, are the sites of visitation for worship and fellowship. A feeding ministry was begun in the same month that provides meals to residents in Golden Age Retirement Village and to other senior citizens.

In May 1995, formal ribbon cutting ceremonies were held for the Holston Health Care Center, originally called the Canaan Health Care Center. This facility, a state of the art center, serves as another phase of Canaan's mission to the total community.

Nineteen ninety-six (1996) saw the beginning of our STC 2000 computer system which provides the church with a tele-ministry phone message system. The Melodic Chorale was started for young people ages 13 through 18. This was also the year that a basketball team was organized to participate in a Christian league in the city. Brothers Jeffrey Sewell and Carl Davis volunteered their services as coaches. The team won second place in 1996.

In early 1998, Sister Joyce Staple and her niece, Audrey Yarbrough, made stoles for the Sanctuary Choir robes and robes for the Children's Choir. The church sponsored its first "Community Block Party" and Usher Board #2 stated a nursery. The block party was held on the church grounds with Sisters Gail Robinson and Glennice Jones as co-chairpersons. Under the leadership of Pastor Middlebrook, in June of 1998 a small group of senior citizens and others came together to form activities for seniors to get them out of the home for a while each week. The group included Brothers Aaron Staple and George Marion, along with Sisters Margaret Hall, Barbara Walker and Bobbie Favors. Consideration was given to the naming of the group, which was eventually named "The Coffee Bunch." Sister Margaret Hall was elected President and Sister Barbara Walker was elected Vice President. Ironically, the Coffee Bunch never served coffee. The group continues to meet each Wednesday morning for Bible study and fellowship. They continue to grow spiritually and numerically. The Coffee Bunch is involved in visiting the sick and shut-in at home and in nursing homes. Sister Rosa Jones is the current President and Sister Henrietta Avery, Vice President.

The 1998 Church-wide Planning Retreat was held at Camp Wesley Woods, in Townsend, TN. The church has held an Annual "Old Timers' Day," in November of every year; in 1998, the day was changed to Family and Friends' Day. Deacon and Deaconess Richard (Evergene) Glasper were recognized for having the largest number of guests present.

Following the "homegoing" of Sister Joyce Staple, the Children's choir was named in her memory.

Trustee Bobbie Favors asked to attend a workshop in Atlanta and returned to organize the Canaan Praise Team. Sisters Audrey Yarbrough, Cheryl Bonner, Elizabeth Bourné, LaDouglas Snapp and Barbara Arter established the Canaan Praise Dancers.

January 1999 produced much activity, including the reactivation of the children's usher ministry, the formation of the Nurses' Guild, the strengthening of the "Week of Consecration, Dedication and Commitment," and the designation of Sisters Lillie Reece and Johnetta Whitmire as Deacons-in-training.

Nineteen ninety-nine (1999) was the year Canaan celebrated its 19th Church Anniversary. The Anniversary was highlighted with the burning of the mortgages on the properties at 1116 and 1117 Beaman Lake Road. The church family was joined, on Sunday, April 11, 1999, by the Reverend Dr. R. Henry Green and the Central Baptist Church family, Memphis, TN, during the

10:45 a.m. worship service and by the Reverend Kenneth Calvert and the Shiloh Baptist Church for the 4:00 p.m. service. Also, as guest, were representatives of Home Federal Bank, Mayor Victor Ashe, Attorney Charles Lockett, and members of the District Lodges of the Most Worship Prince Hall, Free and Accepted Masons, with District Deputy Andrew Jackson in charge. This was also the year when the church purchased a new commercial refrigerator, freezer and ice maker, and a new sixteen (16) passenger van.

On the first Sunday in 2000, the Canaan family consecrated Sisters Lillie Reece, Mattie Reece and Johnetta Whitmire into the deaconship. The Reverend Mr. George W.C. Lyons, pastor of the First Calvary Baptist Church, Knoxville, preached the consecration sermon. Elder B.Q. Scott, a charter member of Canaan, joined the "number of the immortal" on January 1, 2000.

In 2002, the youth praise dance ministry was reorganized under the direction of Sisters LaKenya Middlebrook and Erika Long. In 2003, the Praise Team was reorganized under the direction of Brother Jimmie McKinley.

In 2003, a tutorial program was instituted at the church to provide students in the Canaan family with academic assistance. Assistance is given from pre-school through high school, all done volunteer basis led by members of the Youth Committee and other dedicated volunteers. Later in the year,

Canaan was the recipient of three new personal computers, donated by Mr. Richard Thomas, son of Mother Bleaker Thomas.

In 2004, Brother Warren Wade donated new and larger speakers for the PA system; and Deacon Richard and Deaconess Evergene Glasper donated additional chairs for the pulpit and the deacons.

In February 2005, the Youth Ministry was the recipient of a printer donated by Sister Constance Goodman. New furniture was purchased and donated for the Pastor's office by Mr. & Mrs. Leroy and Ella Jenkins. On February 27th, Tribe Six (6) of the "Twelve Tribes" building campaign became the first to reach their $10,000.00 financial goal.

In February 2007, Brother and Sister Warren (Janet) Wade donated a CD player, on the occasion of their son Rory Gibbs' wedding. The church has done some improvement on the parking lot.

In June of 2008, the church building was partially renovated. The heating and air units were replaced; the roof was partially repaired and the kitchen floor was retiled. New chairs were put in the sanctuary. In November of 2008, Reverend Brandon Williams became our minister of music.

The 2009 Church year was designated as a "year of new beginnings." New church officers are taking leadership, as mandated by the church constitution. The Sunday Church School Ministry continues to grow under the newly elected superintendent, Minister Elonda Wood. On January 20, 2009, Canaan, with New Metropolitan and Mt. Sinai (Clinton) Baptist Churches, hosted an Inaugural Celebration, commemorating the inauguration of the first African-American President

of the United States, President Barack Obama. On that day, Pastor Middlebrook, and several others were recognized for his civil rights work by the Knoxville Presidential Inauguration Celebration Committee.

We began 2010 with the “Leadership Development Workshop” on Teamwork, led by Reverends Joseph and Mildred Smith, and the “Days of Consecration,” led by the Reverend Keith McGee. The new deacons hosted a “Meet and Greet” to develop fellowship among the Deacon’s Family Ministry Teams and the Lydia Select Study Group sponsored a highly successful Women’s Summit, led by Minister Elonda Wood.

Mr. Shawn Turner, a student at the University of Tennessee joined the Canaan family as Minister of Music. He joined Will Boyd, our saxophonist, and Jeff Conwell, our drummer, and brought with him George Carpten (trumpet), Carl Fields (bass), Julian Taylor (drummer). As we shared the joys of 2010 and celebrated our Thirtieth (30th) Anniversary we are reminded that saints who have shared with us continue to join the number of the immortal. We remember Mother Flossie Brantley, Deacon and Elder Ernest Mynatt and Deacon Richard L. Glasper.

On Sunday, March 4, 2012 we welcomed Mr. Justin Ford as our new Minister of Music, and Mother Bleaker Thomas became the first member this year to join the eternal number that now sleeps with Jesus. Later in the year we bade farewell to Sisters Brenda Lee and Johnnie Mae Barker; and Brother Reginald Clark.

On Sunday, April 1st, the church celebrated our Thirty-second year as a family. During the remainder of the year, Canaan was very active. The Youth Ministry traveled to Washington, D.C. in May, and in September, held their very first “Youth Explosion”. The Senior Mission held a “Women In Hats” fellowship worship, with Reverend LaTisha Reeves as the preacher. In November, as part of our Fall Preaching Series, nationally renowned evangelist/pastor Tellis J. Chapman shared with us for three nights in a spirit filled revival. In December, our Brotherhood Ministry, along with other members of the church ministered to the homeless of the city by sharing fruit baskets with them and sponsoring a young child from the Angel Tree. On December 12th in our Annual Members Meeting, Pastor Middlebrook announced that he would be retiring from the active pastorate in December, 2013.

In January, 2013, Pastor Middlebrook preached at the Mid-Winter Session of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. at the Late Night Service, held in Nashville, TN.

On February 20th in a special called meeting, the church voted to ask four “sons of the church” – Reverends William Caldwell, Kenneth Calvert, Wm. Terry Ladd and Gregory Sawyer to serve as an Advisory Committee to the pulpit/search committee as they begin the groundwork for selecting a new pastor. On February 27th the church came together in prayer and then chose Delilah Carter, Julius Garner, Thomas McDaniel, Sr., Donna Oliver and Johnetta Whitmire to serve as the pulpit/search committee.

As part of a new vision for this year’s Church Anniversary celebration, Canaan held its first “Late Night Service” on March 8th. The Reverend Sedric Veal, pastor of the Temple Baptist Church, Cleveland, Ohio, was the preacher for a house of almost three hundred people.

Between February until the present day, God has blessed Canaan by adding seven new converts to our church family and we look forward to an increase in that number as we continue to follow Him.

In April, 2013, Canaan celebrated our Thirty-third Church Anniversary using a different concept than in previous years; calling it “Church Day”. Our preacher for the morning worship was Reverend William Watson, pastor of First Baptist Church, Jackson, TN. In the afternoon we again had the pleasure and honor of sharing with our brother, Dr. Kenneth Calvert and the Shiloh Baptist Church, Kingsport, TN.

In June, we travelled to Memphis, TN to share with Reverend Carl Shields and the Antioch Baptist Church in our final fellowship together with Pastor Middlebrook being our shepherd. This fellowship has lasted over twenty-five years.

In July Canaan hosted a carnival for the youth of the church and surrounding community. There were over 75 adults and children that participated. There was also a church-wide celebration honoring Pastor Middlebrook’s 71st birthday. Within the same month Canaan celebrated Homecoming activities. The worship, along with a picnic dinner took place with “Church in the Park” at the New Harvest Park. Reverend Julian Earl, Youth Pastor at Antioch Baptist Church was the preacher.

As Pastor Middlebrook’s retirement grew closer, a number of activities began to take place. In September, Mr. Beal V. Bourne sponsored a “Chat and Chew” at the church for the members and a number of friends of Canaan to join together in a casual setting. In November, the Reverend Dr. Tellis Chapman, pastor of Galilee Baptist Church, Detroit, Michigan came to celebrate with us in a three night revival. In December a farewell roast called “Roasting the HAM” honored Pastor Middlebrook with not only church members, but friends and family coming from across the country to share. On December 29th at 3:00 p.m., Dr. Middlebrook preached his final sermon as pastor of Canaan Baptist Church. During that time, he set aside Sisters Ruth Hardin and Eliza Harris to become a part of the Mother’s Ministry of the church. He also appointed the Reverend Dr. Elizabeth Jackson to the ministerial staff of Canaan.

The year 2014 was the first year Canaan has been without a pastor, however, we have still been blessed with the Word from interim pastors: Rev. Dexter Jordan, Elder Tomma Battle and Ernest Scruggs. Rev. Maudine Hicks has filled the pulpit each third Sunday of every month thus far.

As we celebrated our Thirty-fourth Church Anniversary, Reverend Dexter Jordan shared with us during the morning worship; and Reverend Dr. Kenneth Calvert and Shiloh Baptist Church, Kingsport, TN worshipped with us during the afternoon.

On May 18th, the church held its first election ever for a new under shepherd. Elder J.B. Maddox, Moderator of the Knoxville District Baptist Association was asked to preside during the election process. Reverend Dr. Loreno Flemings of Philadelphia, PA and Reverend Charles Yancey of Knoxville were the two names presented for consideration. The majority vote was not to choose either candidate; as a result, a new search committee was selected. The new

committee consisted of Trustee Warren Wade, Deacon Sherry Sewell, and Sisters Nicole Brooks, Judy Carpenter and Janet Wade.

In an attempt to maintain continuity among the congregants, in July the committee recommended that Associate Pastor A. Gene Thomas, Jr. become the interim Pastor while the search for a permanent pastor continued. After much prayer and very strong urging from the congregation, Moderator Maddox was called in again to preside and a second election was held on October 12th and Reverend Thomas was elected by three-fourths for the congregation present to become the second Pastor in Canaan’s history.

On November 9th, Pastor Thomas informed the congregation that Canaan has become the recipient of a one million dollar gift from the Canaan Baptist Housing Corporation. The two stipulations for receiving the gift would be that a building committee must already be in place and the money can only be used for the sole purpose of building a sanctuary. A list of names was presented to the body to be voted on in its entirety as the building committee. Those names were: Pastor Thomas, Rev. Middlebrook, Deacon Donna Oliver, Trustees Warren Wade and Cheryl Bonner, Sherry Bennett, Church Treasurer; Sister Tina Jones and Brother James Evans, Church at Large; Mr. Alvin Nance, (Knoxville Community Development Corp.); and Mr. Harold Johnson, Construction consultant. The congregation was jubilant as they overwhelmingly voted to accept the given slate of names presented.

On Sunday, November 23rd during the morning worship, Reverend Middlebrook, on behalf of the Board of Directors of Canaan Baptist Housing Corporation, presented to the congregation, a cashier’s check in the amount of $1,000,000.00, for the purpose of erecting a sanctuary. Pastor Thomas accepted the check on behalf of the church and promised that by God’s will, the sanctuary would be built.

On December 13th Pastor Thomas presided over his first Annual Membership meeting. It was at this meeting that Reverend Middlebrook was formally/officially elevated to the position of “Pastor Emeritus”.

On Sunday, January 18, 2015 Canaan held formal Installation Services for our new pastor. Pastor Thomas delivered the morning message entitled “Touch and Agree on Jesus”. At the afternoon service, Pastor Emeritus Middlebrook delivered the message entitled “A Servant’s Request”. Reverend Christopher Snow, Pastor of Bethlehem Star Baptist Church and a member of Canaan presided at the service; he was joined by Moderator J.B. Maddox and Vice Moderator Charles Lomax of the Knoxville District Baptist Association, Presiding Elder and Reverend Donna Butler of the AME Zion Church, Reverend Doctors Kenneth and Linda Calvert of Shiloh Baptist Church, Kingsport, TN (also members of Canaan), Elders Christopher and J. Tomma Battle of Tabernacle Baptist Church, and Reverend John Jordan of Peace and Goodwill Baptist Church, as well as The Honorable Joe Armstrong, TN House of Representatives and The Honorable Daniel Brown, former Mayor of Knoxville and Knoxville City Councilman were also on hand to bring remarks and make presentations.

Since the New Year started, Canaan is beginning to see a new growth in Bible study groups and Sunday school attendance; and new members are being added to the church family.

As we continue on this new phase of our journey, we are reminded - IT’S A NEW DAY!!!!

WE HONOR OUR PAST

! ! Sister Ovetta Kimmons

! ! ! Mothers of the Church Elder Joseph Harris Elder Ernest Mynatt Seated: Ella Crowe, Helen Garner, Ossie Dean, Helen Stewart; Standing: Florene Pate, Vivian Calloway, Bessie Houston, Bleaker Thomas, Mae Pearl Davis

AS WE WERE THEN The following list comprises the Charter Members of Canaan, who voted to form the church on Sunday, April 6, 1980, at the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA, 124 Cruze Street.

Allen, Jerry Allen, Milton Anderson, Boyd Anderson, Jeffrey Anderson, Marva Anderson, Marvetta Austin, Shelia Beckley, Ross Bonner, Lois Boyle, Billy Boyle, Jessie Branner, Clinton Branner, Michael Branner, Sarah Branner, Stuart Branner, Timothy Brown, Elizabeth Bururm, Wilma Calloway, Vivian Calvert, Kenneth Calvert, Linda Chandler, Carolyn Clark, Clydell Clark, Thomas Cole, LeChon Coleman, Lillian Cowan, Blanche Crawford, Bernice Crawford, Thomas Crowe, Ella Davis, Samantha Debro, Christy Diggs, Chauncey Diggs, Isaac, Jr. Diggs, Isaac, Sr. Dingus, Elizabeth Dotson, Margaret Emmons, Shelia Evans, Bobby Evans, James, Sr. Evans, Melissa Fuller, Treva Garner, Helen Garner, Patricia Garner, Shamiyeh Gary, David Gary, Shelia Glasper, Richard Glover, Estella Goodman, Elizabeth Gray, Phyllis Gray, Robert

Hackett, Sheril Hall, Debbie Hall, Joyce Hall, Margaret Harris, Linda Harris, Stella Harris, Woodrow Henry, Eveyln Hilliard, Mhoeneehk Hilliard, Eddie Hilliard, Gladys Hilliard, Nicole Hines, Barbara Hines, Larry Hogan, Carolyn Howard, A. Wayne Howard, Anthony Howard, James, Sr. Howard, James, Jr. Howard, Margaret Howard, Sherrine Hughes, Betty Jackson, Carrie Jackson, Freddie Jackson, Steve, Sr. Joiner, Alvin Jones, Elizabeth Jones, Jacqueline Jones, Millie Jones, Rosa Jones, Ross, Sr. Jones, Tina Jordan, John, Jr. Jordan, John, Sr. Jordan, Johnetta Joy, Keith Joy, Rosalyn Kershaw, Gary Kershaw, Shirley Kimbrough, Ruth Kimmons, Ovetta Ladd, Erika Ladd, Ramona Ladd, Wm. Terry, II Lewis, Charlene Madison, Jennifer Madison, Vivian Martin, Cassandra Martin, Oneida McDaniel, Patricia McKinney, Regina Middlebrook, Doretha

Middlebrook, Betty Middlebrook, Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Sherry Mize, Frances Mize, Sherryl Morrow, Althenia Mynatt, Daisy Mynatt, Doyle Mynatt, Ernest Mynatt, Hilda Mynatt, Sabrina Newton, Everett Parrott, Juanita Penson, Beatrice Penson, LeRoy Perry, Mattie Perry, Raymond Reece, Cynthia Reece, Lillie Roberson, Mary Robinson, Alicia Robinson, Janice Robinson, Kenneth, Jr. Robinson, Mercedes Rutledge, Reginald Scott, B.Q. Scott, Joyce Scott, Louise Sharp, Addie Shell, Frank Stacy, Athanese Steele, Zandra Stephens, James Stephens, Odessa Tate, Angela Tate, Mattie Taylor, Ruth Terrell, Mary Troutman, Denise Troutman, Dennis, Jr. Troutman, Dennis, Sr. Troutman, JoAnne Tucker, Ramonia Turner, Iona Wade, Barbara Wade, Michael Wade, Rose Wade, Sharon Wade, Vanessa Walker, Rita Webb, Aaron Webb, Marie

Westfield, Jacquin White, Karen Willis, Cohen Willis, Nona Wright, Mary Frances Young, Gina Young, LaNorris

CANAAN BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHRIST, INC. 2015 MEMBERSHIP ROSTER

Arnwine, Sisilyn Avery, Henrietta Avery, Nena Avery, Sherri Bailey, Asia Bennett, Arlene (Sherry) Bennett, Danielle Billingsley, Yvonne Bonner, Cheryl Bonner, David Bourne, Doris Bourne, Elizabeth Brooks, Nicole Brown, Ajerico Brown, Kevin Caldwell, Henrietta Caldwell, Rev. William Calloway, Vivian Calvert, Dr. Kenneth Calvert, Dr. Linda Cameron, Karen Cameron, Patricia Campbell, Travis Carpenter, Judy Carter, Delilah Cash, Mamie Clark, Akeem Cole, LaDouglas Cole, LeChon Coleman, Wilma Comeaux, Wendy Conwell, Jeffery Conwell, Jeremiah (y) Dailey, Mary Louise Dailey, Terry, Sr. Davis, Margarette Dial, Vivian DuBose, Robert Evans, Bobbie Evans, James Everett, Arnita Freeman, Demond Freeman, Derrick Freeman, Elijah (y) Freeman, Syreta Garner, Alexis (y) Garner, Jahiem (y) Garner, Julius Garner, Patricia Glasper, Evergene Glasper, Matthew Glasper, Rachel

Glasper, Shannon Glasper, Sharon Glasper, Terlika B. Glass, Dion Goodman, Constance Goodman, Elizabeth Goodman, Juanita W. Hall, Anastasia Hall, Daveon (y) Hall, Debbie Hall, Margaret Hardin, Dian Hardin, Ruth Hardwick, Linda J. Harris, Eliza Hicks, Rev. Maudine Hill, Adavia (y) Hill, Curtis Hill, Danivea (y) Hill, Jessica Hill, Sidnea Hill, Xavier (y) Hunter, Angela Hyatt, India Hyatt, Larry Hyatt, Raven (y) Jackson, Carolyn Jackson, DionDre Jackson, Roxanne Jarrett, Lydia Jarrett, Mario, Jr. (y) Jarrett, Mario, Sr. Jones, Chanel Jones, Elizabeth Jones, Jackie Jones, Lovelace Jones, Michael Jones, Rosa Jones, Samuella Jones, Tina King, Deasisha (y) King, DeSean (y) Kyle, Clayarrow Kyle, Jada Kyle, Jarrett Kyle, Joey Lathers, Herman McDowell, Keema Lee, Loretta Leeper, William Lewis, Alicia Lewis, Charlene

Mack, Doris Matthews, Lowell McClanahan, Darrion McDaniel, Patricia McDaniel, Thomas Sr. McDaniel, Thomas, Jr. McDaniel, YaKeisha McDaniel, Yalanda McDaniel, Yvonne McDermont, Shannon McNair, Thelma Middlebrook, Betty Middlebrook, Harold II Middlebrook, LaKenya Middlebrook, Rev. H.A. Ocan, Lokidi Oliver, Donna Patterson, Johnnie Mae Reece, Lillie Rogers, Valeri Sawyer, Rev. Gregory Sewell, Sherry Sharon, Dorothy Sharon, Randy Smith, Cynthia Smith, J.D. Smith, Willa Belle Staple, Aaron Snow, Rev. Christopher Tanner, Gloria Tate, Clifford Jr. Tate, Mother Mattie Tate, Sr., Elder Clifford Taylor, Charlotte Taylor, Kadarius Taylor, Opal Thomas, Rev. Gene Wade, Janet Wade, Warren Walker, Taswan White, Carol Whitmire, Johnetta Williams, Llatricia Williams, Olsey (y) Williams, Tomas (y) Wrushen, Audrey Wrushen, Xzavian Young, Barbara

ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEES

Anniversary Chairperson Mother Margaret Hall Co-Chairperson Sister Yvonne Billingsley

Program Committee Sister India Hyatt and Sister Debbie Hall

Hospitality Committee Sister Delilah Carter and Sister Jessica Hill

Finance Committee Sister Rosa Jones Brother Julius Garner Sister Jackie Jones Brother J.D. Smith

Publicity Committee Sister Cheryl Bonner Sister LaDouglas Cole Sister A’Davia Hill Sister Audrey Wrushen

Decorations Committee Sister Janet Wade Sister Patricia Garner Deacon Donna Oliver

!

!