This is Canaan History Page at: https://tinyurl.com/historycanaan

New: Inventory list for 2091 Time Capsule.pdf

2017 Time Capsule to be opened 2091. packing items [ photos to doc. ]

Canaan Cemetery Memorials, 202 memorials found in Find a Gravehttps://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2300536/memorial-search…

1940 Canaan History and Directory in PDF from Time Capsule

Download Entire Year Book and Directory of Canaan,Mount Ebal, Central Methodist Churches in.pdf

Canaan UMC Misc. Photos for History Album,

photos: 160+ Add Your Photos to this album        Contact Canaan at: info@CanaanFirstChurch.com

View Photo Album of Homecoming and Opening of Time Capsule

These wood church photos below was located where part of the grave yard is now.    

CANAAN CHURCH HISTORIC SKETCH  1840-1940    and moving forward to present 2017

     It is to be greatly regretted that records are not available that give in detail the exact history of this interesting church. It is reasonably certain that the land was donated by Ransom Harris, the eldest son of Captain Jesse Harris of Revolutionary War fame. Ransom Harris, the probable founder of this church, was a man of no little distinction. He was one of the commissioners appointed by the legislature to form Davidson County in 1822. He was a member of the first Court of Com-mon Pleas. He was the first Registrar of Deeds of Davidson County and served two terms in the State Senate. He died in 1841 and is buried in Canaan cemetery.

     It is not known just when Canaan Church was established but judging from graves in tne cemetery and other data it must have been established not later than 1840. The Locatron of this church is about five miles northeast of Denton in Davidson County but near the Randolph County line.

    In the beginning it was a Methodist Episcopal (Northern) Church. In 1844 when the Methodist } Episcopal Church was divided and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was termed, it as did all property of tile South, became a part of the newly organized church. It was a place of active influence for a number of years. But during the years following the Civil War, when conditions of life were so confused, the Church ceased to be active and finally went into abandonment. For years there were no services conducted here and the building which was a log structure went into decay and ruin.

    In 1898 another chapter of this interesting church began. At this time the people of the community concluded that there were not enough people of anyone denomination to canyon a church but that there were people of foul' denominations and that these good people could build a union church and work together in harmony. The records show that a representation of the community went to the Uwharrie Quarterly Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and asked for a grant of the property that the Union Church might be erected. The partition being favorably received, the property was deeded to the Baptist, the Lutheran, the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the Methodist Protestant Churches. On these historic grounds a new church was erected and the four denominations worked together in harmony, each communion having its own pastor and each having a Sunday each month. An inter-denominational Sunday School was carried on and the work went well for a number of years. But after a time, because of changes in the community, three of the denominations grew weaker while one, the Methodist Protestant, grew stronger, and finally this denomination only was able to maintain its services.

    In 1926 when Rev. E. A. Bingham was the Methodist Protestant pastor the interests of the three other denominations were bought by the Methodist Protestant Church. In 1939 when Methodist union was adopted the property automatically became a part of the Methodist Church. The transferring of this property carries with it a most unusual record. It has been conveyed once by a private owner to a church. Twice it has been 'transferred because of new churches having been formed. Twice the conveyance has been from one church constituency to an other. Six different denominations have possessed legal rights and privileges. This is possibly a record without parallel. In 1929 when the Methodist Protestant congregation became sole owners of the property the faithful band set themselves to the task of making some very necessary improvements. Road conditions had changed and this made it necessary that the building should be relocated. Sunday School rooms were built and the painter's brush was applied and a lighting system was installed. The equipment is now quite adequate. There is a good auditorium, three good class rooms and a choir loft which is used for a class room. Few country churches are more happily located, being in a community of prosperous and well-to-do farmers and with a large number of young people who are engaged in the activities of the nearby cities but who are loyal to their church. The community is not over Church-ed and the church is serving a, great need and is doing a most important work in Kingdom service, There is a parcel of ground containing two and ten-sixteenth (2 10/16) acres, The cemetery is well kept and contains the remains of loved ones, many of whose friends and relatives now live at a distance but are sentimentally tied to the old church of their former years,

    Among those who have gone out from this church and are living elsewhere are two ministers of whom the church is truly proud. These are Rev. Atlas Ridge and Rev. C. E. Ridge both of whom are honored members of the North Carolina conference. Records not being available, it is impossible to note just who and how many were the charter members. But it is reasonable to conclude that they were few in number but that they were loyal and true. It is known that the number of changes has been large and that large numbers have gone out from this church to be members of other churches and yet the membership roll has increased until it stands at 146 at present. [1940]

      W. O. Davis was pastor in 1898 and probably organized the church. After this the pastors follow: T. F. 1'vIcCulloch,1899; L I. York, 1900; E. A. Pliler, 1901; J. G. W. Holloway, 1902; Edward Suits, 1903, '04; J.W. Self, 1905; C. H. Hill, 1906; J. W, Self, 1907; W. J. Hackney, 1908; T. A. Plyler, 1909, '10; Joel Trogdon, 1911, '12, '13, '14, '15; D. A. Braswell, 1916; D. M. Loy, 1917, '18; B. M. Williams, H. L. Isley, 1919; D.A. Highfill, 1920; Joel Trogdon, 1921, '22, '23, '24; O. C. Loy, 1925; J.Elwood Carroll and T. Glenn Madison (joirrtly}, 1926; M. C. Henderson, 1927; E. A. Bingham, 1928, '29, '30; Robert Short, 1931, '32, '33; T, J. Bowman, 1934, '35, '36, '37; Geo. L. Curry, 1938, '39-.

    In 1898 when the church was organized it became a part of the Davidson charge where it remained until 1902 when it became a part of the Uhwarrie Charge where it remained until 1918. At this time it became a part of the Denton charge and where it remains at present. It with Central Church at Denton with a distance of only 5 miles of good road between them and with the people of both churches very closely associated make a very desirable charge with great possibilities of usefulness.  This historic sketch info came from Canaan Year Book and Directory 1940. No Picture of log church.  Canaan church was built and relocated again in 1898, according to Time Capsule Monument.

    After 1940 moving forward:  We continued to worship in this church for a number of years, and during the pastorate of Reverend Ralph Jacks, a fund was started for a new church building. A goodly sum was raised, and under direction of Reverend G.W.Vick, the present brick building was started and finished while Reverend M.C. Ellerbe was pastor. The 2 acres across canaan road was donated by Fred Nance and Allison Loflin. The first service was held in the new church building on Easter Sunday 1949, by Reverend George Clemmer, District Superintendent of Thomasville District. Canaan church building was dedicated on September 9, 1951. 

    Frances Kindley Lanier  daughter of Wayne and Mary Lee Kindley started playing piano at Canaan Church when she was 13 yrs old around 1950. She is 83 now in [2023] Playing piano for 70 yrs. and plays at present time in 2023.  

   This old wood church was purchased by Clinard and Glenn Nance around 1950-51 for $1000.00 and  moved down the road about a mile. Glenn used some of the lumber to built him a barn, which later burned, and Clinard built on to his house [3 rooms] with his part. They where members at canaan at that time. These facts were told by Joan Nance [wife of Clinard] 2009.  Clinard and Glenn Nance was sons of Fred Nance which was one of two who donated the land which canaan church stands today [2016].

    In 2007 Lee Loflin told us he walked to the old canaan church when he was a boy, around 1920. Lee would have been 100 yrs. old Sept.1, 2009.   

    Canaan Church Basement and back addition with bathrooms was added to Canaan in the 60's. In the late 70's basement was remolded with new floors and Vinyl was added, the men of church did the floors and Johnny Lowe did the Vinyl walls. Johnny was a member at the time. Mid 70,s window unit air-condition was installed, some unit was stolen in early 80,s and Central Air was installed. Mid 70,s, early 80,s the outside arbor was built. JB Nance built the Picnic tables in the arbor in mid 80's.  In 1997 The steeple was added to church in memory of Katherine Bisher by her family.  The Brick sign and Bell tower in front of church was built in 1998 in memory of JB Nance by family. Paved parking lot on left side of church was added in early 2000's, labor donated by Donnie Apple and helped out by church members. Side walks were re-done also during this time. Church under took some renovation inside with new ceiling in sanctuary mid 2000 and new banisters, remodel of bathrooms and fresh paint throughout.  New sign at drive-way added spring 2016 and finished July15th, 2017. Monetary for sign by Shirley  Glover in Memory of Donald Glover her husband. Rock Work donated for Sign by Steven Grubb, a member of Canaan UMC. with helpers Max Bisher and ronnie g.  , helpers to set sign were Gary Lanier, Thomas Pierce, Max Bisher, Steven Grubb, Ronnie Covington and Ronnie Gallimore Sign dedicated at Canaan Homecoming August 6th, 20. 17. Time Capsule Closure and Dedication also at Homecoming Aug.6th.,2017, Time Capsule will be open again 75 yrs. Homecoming yr. 2091. In Feb. 2017, Suzanne and Ronnie Gallimore added a Lighted Curio Display and a small glass display to Canaan Church in the hall to display 1941 Time Capsule items. In 2018 the arbor was upgraded with vinyl and boards replaced between poles. [2 were added new]. Canaan-First UMC Denton Parsonage SOLD November 12th.,2019. New Heat Pumps added July 2021, 5 and 3 Ton, also had to upgrade wiring from 100 amp to 400amp box outside. Rented Church on Saturdays to Seven Day Adventist in May 2021.  We had to Pump out Septic which is marked now across driveway 2022.  Clean out storage rooms 2022 and spare room upstairs, added shelving.  2 New comodes added in Oct. 2022, {1 in womens and 1 in Mens}.  Up Grades of Door Locks, Exit Signs and Fire Extinguishes 2022. 

Web site for Canaan was created in 2000 by Ronnie Gallimore and is still active today 2023, also Facebook was launched in 2011 and is still active today, 2023.      Having low attendance at both churches, Canaan and First UMC joined forces and became a United Church in 2013, alternating months holding services between Canaan and First UMC.

2023 Canaan Church decided to leave the United Methodist and join the  Global Methodist. First Church  in Denton did the same.

Pastors of First & Canaan on record.

2024 Steve Roberts. [March-present] >< 2023 Pastor Mark Weekley [ Sept.- Nov.24 ] <>  2023-  Rev. Sam Lewis [July-Sept.]  <> 2022 - 2023 Russell Brownworth  <>  2016 -  2022 Rev. Dr. Dennis Sheppard   <>   2010- 2016—Tammy Talbert      ><    2007- 2009—Bill Foust     <>  2005 - 2006—Stan Champion   ><   1999- 2004—Dan Money  2016 -2022  Rev. Dr. Dennis Sheppard   --   2010- 2016—Tammy Talbert      -    2007- 2009—Bill Foust     - 2005 - 2006—Stan Champion   -  1999- 2004—Dan Money 1998—JH Varner   --  1997—Ann Musselman  -  1994 - 1996—Gary McLain  -   1988 - 1993—Jack Stratas   -  1984 - 1987 Gary W Leonard  -   1981 - 1983 Chip Webb 1977 - 1980—Joseph Green    -  1975- 1976—JE Cloer     -   1974- JC Reynolds  ----Rev. Yokley 1969  --  1950 Rev. Oakley, first Preacher that lived in New Parsonage.  1940,s Reverend G.W.Vick  -  1949 Reverend M.C. Ellerbe

Canaan pastors on record 1898-1940

 late 1940s  Reverend G.W.Vick started new church building   - new church finished while Reverend M.C. Ellerbe was pastor  - early 1940s  Reverend Ralph Jacks  G. O Curry 1938-40....? -  T.G. Bowman 1934-37 - Robert Short 1931-33 - E.A. Bingham 1928-30 - M.C. Henderson 1927 - J.Elwood Caroll and J.T.Madison [jointly] 1926 - O.C. Loy 1925 - Joel Trogdon 1921-24 - D.A. Highfill 1920 - B.M. Williams, H.L. Isley 1919 - D.M. Loy 1917-18 - D.A. Braswell 1916 - Joel Trogdon 1911-15 - T.A. Pyler 1909-10 - W.J. Hackney 1908 - J.W.. Self 1907 - C.H. Hill 1906 - J.W.. Self 1905 - Edward Suits 1903 - J.G.W. Holloway 1902 - E.A. Pliler 1901 - I.I. York 1900 - T.F. McCulloch 1899 -  W.O. Davis was Pastor in 1898 and probably organized the Church. This Info 1898-1939 furnished by 1940 Canaan Directory that was in Time Capsule at canaan open in 2016.

Time Capsule was packed with a lot of info. due to open again in 75yrs. 1991. [ Inventory list for 2091 Time Capsule.pdf ]

                                                                                       Download History in PDF at:  Google Doc. Here  >< 2016 Photos Time Capsule Album

Photo Albums and Videos that are on Facebook, but might not be below,  Clck Here.........

2023  - 

Petition:  Disaffiliation of Canaan United Methodist Church (Denton)(Uwharrie District)

By: Trustees of Canaan United Methodist Church (Denton)(Uwharrie District)

Whereas, by near unanimous consent the congregation of the Canaan United Methodist Church has expressed disagreement with the results of the 2019 special session of the UMC General Conference regarding the adoption of the "traditional plan" as presented; and  Whereas, the Canaan United Methodist Church believes  the  "traditional plan" as approved  does  not sufficiently address the lack of accountability  for  Bishops  and  Clergy who openly disobey the Book of Discipline; and Whereas,     the Canaan United    Methodist    Church  does  not agree with  the  passage o f petitions at the  2019  session  of   The  Western  North  Carolina   Conference, one  of   which  presented  the  tenets of  UMC  Next which  rejects  the "traditional  plan", and another petition  which  stated  the  annual conference's strong  disagreement with and condemnation  of  the  traditional plan; and Whereas, the General Conference did provide a disaffiliation process for congregations that disagree with the actions of the United Methodist Church and its language regarding  human sexuality and accountability to the  church; Therefore, be it resolved that the Canaan United Methodist Church, with a more than two thirds  vote  of  members  at  a  special   called   church   conference  has  voted  to  disaffiliate  from  the United Methodist Church per Book of Discipline per paragraph 2553; and Be it  resolved  that  Board  of  Trustees  and  Disaffiliation  Committee  of Canaan UMC be given  the authority to negotiate and enter into a formal disaffiliation agreement with the Conference Trustees and execute all deeds, contracts, instruments, etc. needed to carry it out; and Be it resolved that said formal disaffiliation agreement will be placed on the agenda of the November 4,  2023  meeting  of  the Western North   Carolina    Annual   Conference  and  ask  that   the conference  respect and affirm  the desire of  the Canaan  UMC  congregation  to disaffiliate  from The United Methodist Church.