Here stands Second Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. This church serves as a vital spiritual and community hub in Detroit. Second Canaan is led by Pastor John D. Kelly II.
Let’s step back in time. In the late 1940s John Polite Ladson had a vision. On December 11 1947 that vision became reality. The Second Canaan Missionary Baptist Church was founded. It began as an assembly of seven charter members. Rev. E. M. Moore the former pastor of Canaan Baptist Church led them.
In 1948 Rev. John P. Ladson was ordained. He was installed as the first Pastor of Second Canaan. Initially worship services were at Rev. Ladson’s residence. It was located at 536 W. 156th Street in New York City. The church appointed its first officers. The storefront on 275 W. 117th Street was leased. This became the church’s new place of worship.
As the church grew Second Canaan moved again in October 1950. It found a new home at 424 W. 125th Street. Finally on February 5 1956 Rev. Ladson led Second Canaan to 10 Lenox Avenue. This location became Second Canaan’s place of worship for over 60 years.
In December 1963 Rev. Ladson received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree. He was blessed with a new companion Ms. Sally Ann Brown. Rev. Dr. Ladson proclaimed Second Canaan to be “The Church for All People!” On August 6 1983 Rev. Dr. John P. Ladson passed away. But Second Canaan continued.
Following Rev. Ladson’s leadership God poured out His blessings. He appointed shepherds to guide the church. Each contributed to the spiritual growth of Second Canaan Baptist Church.
Rev. Henry L. Smalls served as Second Canaan’s second pastor. He served from February 1985 to December 1992. He encouraged spiritual gifts and ordained several deacons.
Rev. Dr. Henry Pinckney Davis III served as Second Canaan’s third pastor. He served from March 1994 to August 2000. During his time Second Canaan transitioned. It became “A Church Christ Centered Bible Based and Spirit Led”. He organized ministries. These included Men’s Fellowship Women’s Prayer Ministry and Scholarship Ministry. He also established a Prayer Room.
Rev. Derick Brennan served as Second Canaan’s fourth pastor. He served from March 2002 to June 2006. Under his leadership Second Canaan became a church committed to seeking God. This was through worship evangelism discipleship and community. The Feeding Ministry was established. The church’s first website was created.
In 2006 Second Canaan sought the Lord for a new pastor. God sent Rev. Wesley W. Wilson Jr. He taught the Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting & Bible Study. The Assembly grew fond of Rev. Wilson’s teaching. They admired his contagious passion for God. Second Canaan accepted him as Interim Pastor. In May 2008 they called him to be the fifth pastor.
Pastor Wilson has a great love for God His word and His people. Under Pastor Wilson’s leadership much progress has been made. Twelve Deacons have been appointed and trained. Four have been ordained. Three Ministers have been licensed and one ordained. Ministries have been reorganized for effectiveness. Community Evangelical Outreach has been promoted. Technological improvements were made. The church adopted cloud technology. Laptops were provided for key personnel.
In April 2017 Pastor Wilson negotiated a $25 MM Joint Venture Project. This project provided residential spaces and a state-of-the-art Worship Facility. It now seats almost 800 people. The church celebrated its Grand Re-Opening on December 29 2019. The church now includes administrative offices. It also has a banquet hall configurable meeting spaces and a restaurant-grade kitchen. As a result all of Second Canaan’s debts have been paid. The church purchased a wheel-chair accessible bus and a 15-passenger van.
Today Second Canaan Missionary Baptist Church stands at 9435 Hayes St. It is still committed to “Advancing the Kingdom of Jesus Christ”. Sunday Worship Service is at 12 PM. Wednesday Bible Exploration is at 6:30 PM. If you need prayer or have questions call 212.722.7080.