On September 24, 1995, the Peoples, Smoot, Robinson, and Hearon families came together at 3115-C South Cashua Drive, in Florence, SC, a building rented by Peoples Upholstery. The purpose of this gathering was to organize a church to the glory of God. As time proceeded, the name of the church came forth as Zion Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. At the time of establishment, Reverend Henry Peoples was named the founding pastor. Zion Canaan held worship service every Sunday morning, Bible Study and Prayer Service every Wednesday night, and outreach Ministry every Saturday.
Zion Canaan organized with just seven members; yes just seven. Today we currently have over forty members. The members and supporters allowed God to work through them and move God’s church forward. A pulpit was built, folding chairs were purchased, and a piano, hymn books, and bibles were donated to the church.
The congregation became the choir and rehearsed every Saturday. As the members praised God in an upholstery shop, the pastor and officers proceeded to look for a permanent place of worship. After looking at several locations, God led us to 612 South Hill Street, Timmonsville, SC. God blessed Zion Canaan with a building that contained six 23 X 23 classrooms, three offices, restrooms, a storage room, and a cafeteria where worship services are presently held.
In early 1997, a Community Development Corporation, 501c3, Friends United grew out of Zion Canaan. Through Friends United, Inc., Zion Canaan has had several partnerships with Coker College, Florence-Darlington Technical College, and community initiatives such as Hitachi Youth Development Initiative, the Fatherhood Initiative, as well as the Greater Timmonsville Area Saturday Academy. In October 1997, Zion Canaan Child Development Center opened. Later God blessed Zion Canaan with an organ, church furniture, pews, a communion table, and an offering table. A pulpit set was purchased and a storage building was erected in 1999.
We have licensed three ministers. Reverend Dr. Ruby Dargan was licensed and ordained. She is now pastoring at Covenant Baptist Church, in Darlington. Patricia Gerald and Terry Williams were both licensed in April 2006.
Zion Canaan had a great year in 2003. We were blessed to be able to renovate the restrooms as well as pave the parking lot. The Young Women's Auxiliary was organized. In 2005 we had an extensive facelift. A new sign and steeple were erected. The exterior and interior of the building were painted. A new ceiling was erected, chandeliers were hung, and pews were upholstered. We have opened a computer lab in which we have administered a Basic Computer Skills Course and an Advance Course in Microsoft Word.
Zion Canaan is still looking forward to the day when we are able to erect a sanctuary adjacent to our present structure.
