The Rev. W.C. Watson, Jr., once delivered a sermon entitled, “Under Construction.” His message spoke of the life of a parishioner being molded and transformed by God into a new and more dramatic spiritual being. In some respects, however, the message could just as easily have applied to the transformation that is underway at the church he pastors, the Canaan Baptist Church of Christ.
There is a dynamic change in process at this quiet, unassuming church in the East Springfield section of the city. At first glance it would appear to be simply a cozy little white church on the corner of Carew and Hobart streets, across from the Pottenger Elementary School. But there are many who know of this church, its members and activities who would testify otherwise. It has been said that this church has an impact and influence in the city much beyond its congregational numbers and physical presence.
The church is now expanding its facility to reflect the growth of its membership, its ministries and its spirit. Simply put, the Canaan Baptist Church of Christ (often referred to simply as Canaan) is preparing for a March building expansion ground breaking. The Rev. W.C. Watson, Jr. and Canaan have quietly been laboring for some three years or more in anticipation of this occasion. In a two-phase building and renovation project, the church will more than triple in size. The new facility will include an expanded sanctuary, an enlarged pulpit and choir area, a new auditorium, and a number of new classrooms and offices. Considering all that is involved with the new design--both inside and outside of the church--the present facility truly will be transformed.
The process of change, however, has been taking place from the inside out. It can best be said of Canaan that it has been evolving from a spiritual “comfort station” into an inspirational “power station.” It is a church that prides itself in having a warm, loving and friendly atmosphere; but its activist pastor, its focus on promoting dynamic new ministries, and its very visible impact on the community attest to the fact that Canaan is a church to be reckoned with.
Although a relatively young church (organized only since March of 1990), Canaan has a rich and storied past. It was born out of a meeting and through the inspiration of the legendary and late Rev. Dr. Paul A. Fullilove, his wife, Mrs. Josephine Fullilove, and a group of 13 supporters. They were all affiliated with the Third Baptist Church in Springfield but were led to organize a new fellowship. During the course of one week’s time, interest in the new fellowship grew such that the group was led to secure a new house of worship. That new house of worship was located at 1430 Carew Street, and was to become Canaan.
On its initial Sunday, Canaan took in 91 members, called the Rev. Brett Snowden as its first pastor, and established the church’s name as the Canaan Baptist Church of Christ. The motto that it has proclaimed since its founding is, “A church that cares, a church that shares, where everybody is somebody and Christ is all.” The Rev. Brett Snowden resigned after some three years to pursue a doctoral degree, after which the church called the Rev. W.C. Watson, Jr. Rev. Watson recently celebrated his eighth pastoral anniversary in December of 2002.
Rev. Watson has been inspired by God and encouraged by the members of Canaan to ignite a new spirit of growth and service at the church. Under his leadership, Canaan has increased its membership substantially and has boosted its financial giving to the point that the church is now prepared to boldly expand its territory. One of its most recent initiatives is a new family and youth services ministry that promises to engage the church in a dynamic new area of growth.
The capstone of the many dramatic--but low-key--goings-on at Canaan is the building expansion for which they are now ready to break ground. While the congregation is understandably very excited about this blessed new endeavor, somehow they are not resting on their laurels but are even now looking to the horizon to rivers yet to be crossed and a territory yet to be claimed.
And when Rev. Watson is asked how does this dynamic little church manage to accomplish so much, so quietly, he responds, “That’s not very difficult when you realize that it is God who should get the glory.” That’s the spirit under construction at Canaan.