Our History

How it all started...

Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church
In 1944, Mount Canaan Missionary Baptist Church was born in the home of Bro. and Sis. Ceasar Williams. The church would later be moved to a vacant home with Rev. Maddock as pastor.

Expanding the vision...

A Small Congregation of Believers
By the 1950s, this small congregation of believers erected a church facility and in the 1960s Rev. Olive Granger was chosen as the next pastor. Rev. Granger remained the pastor until 1976.

Where we are headed...

n 1977, Rev. Willie B. O'Neal was selected as Mt. Canaan's next pastor. When Rev. O'Neal arrived, his eyes beheld a small, white, highly aged structure in much need of improvement within the hub of a multitude of trees. The congregation consisted of approximately 12 faithful members who conducted services two Sundays a month. Under Pastor O'Neal's leadership over the next 18 months, services were held weekly and 75 new members were added to the church. This increase in membership was due in part to the street revivals Pastor O’Neal initiated in the neighboring housing projects 

How Long? Not Long!

How Long? Not Long!
Hoping that Mt. Canaan could start building a new facility soon, Pastor O'Neal instructed a member to make a sign in order to motivate his people. The sign, which he hung above the pulpit, displayed a drawing of a new church with the words ``How Long?`` ``Not Long!`` Each Sunday he would point at the sign and ask ``How Long?`` and the people would respond, ``Not Long!``

Mt. Canaan's Spirit-filled Ministry

Mt. Canaan's Spirit-filled Ministry
In January of 1980, God baptized Pastor O'Neal with His precious Holy Spirit. This event marked the beginning of Mt. Canaan's spirit-filled ministry. After receiving the Holy Spirit, Pastor O'Neal returned to his pulpit as a brand new man with a brand new message. His messages were so powerful and full of God’s anointing that almost everyone under the sound of his voice were convicted to give their lives to the Lord. Mt. Canaan's membership began growing by leaps and bounds as men and women from all over Birmingham and from all walks of life, heard about Pastor O'Neal's life changing messages.

Be a part of our story...

Join us every Sunday as we gather to worship together a 8:30 am and 10:30 am.