1940's
In 1944, a small, unorganized group of believers asked evangelist Rev. Paul and Henrietta Sorensen to come to Canton, Ohio to help build an independent, Bible-preaching church. The church group at that time was called Immanuel Temple, and was meeting in a garage. The group was providing fifteen dollars a month support to Rev. Sorensen’s brother Ed and his wife Maxine, missionaries to Cuba. This was the majority of their support, and Rev. and Mrs. Sorensen came intending to stay one year to help keep this church going to secure that support. But they stayed until retirement in 1978.
In 1946, the body of believers moved into the armory on Schroyer Avenue SW. The church was officially chartered in September of that year as Canton Christian Tabernacle. The first missionary conference was held, with faith-promise giving of $716. Also in that year, Rev. Sorensen was involved with Dr. Sidney Correll in establishing United World Mission.
In November of 1947, the burned-out building that had belonged to Bethel Temple was purchased, situated at 313 Elgin Avenue NW. Services were held in the basement of the building while repairs and reconstruction were performed.
In 1946, the body of believers moved into the armory on Schroyer Avenue SW. The church was officially chartered in September of that year as Canton Christian Tabernacle. The first missionary conference was held, with faith-promise giving of $716. Also in that year, Rev. Sorensen was involved with Dr. Sidney Correll in establishing United World Mission.
In November of 1947, the burned-out building that had belonged to Bethel Temple was purchased, situated at 313 Elgin Avenue NW. Services were held in the basement of the building while repairs and reconstruction were performed.
1950's
In August of 1954, Eugene and Sandy Thomas were the first missionaries to be commissioned and sent forth by Christian Tabernacle. They went to Impfondo, Republic of the Congo.
The church continued to grow, and in 1956, the Tabernacle purchased the Fred Paar property at 4301 Cleveland Ave NW, which is its present location. While new construction took place on this property, tent services were held at the rear of the property. An auditorium and classrooms were constructed, being named Parker Hall in honor of Thomas Parker, who oversaw the project. The project was completed in 1959.
The church continued to grow, and in 1956, the Tabernacle purchased the Fred Paar property at 4301 Cleveland Ave NW, which is its present location. While new construction took place on this property, tent services were held at the rear of the property. An auditorium and classrooms were constructed, being named Parker Hall in honor of Thomas Parker, who oversaw the project. The project was completed in 1959.
1960's
By 1961, the missions program included support of 57 missionaries in 17 countries with a Faith Promise missions budget of over $31,000. Due to the continued growth, more building space was needed, and ground was broken in 1962 for a new sanctuary wing. The facility was dedicated in January, 1964.
In 1968, Heritage Christian School was founded under Rev. Sorensen’s leadership. The school met in the facilities of Christian Tabernacle for several years, and then moved to a larger facility at the old Canton Lincoln High School Building. It is still independently operating at that property today.
In 1968, Heritage Christian School was founded under Rev. Sorensen’s leadership. The school met in the facilities of Christian Tabernacle for several years, and then moved to a larger facility at the old Canton Lincoln High School Building. It is still independently operating at that property today.
1970's
From 1970-1974, Rev. Donald Hamilton was associate pastor. He worked with the youth, and organized "Soul Concern," a teen choir, which sang throughout the area.
In June of 1978, Rev. Paul and Henrietta Sorensen retired. That year, a pastoral team was called to Christian Tabernacle; four men co-equal in leadership, each having their own ministry focus. They were: Roger Sorensen (son of Rev. Paul and Henrietta Sorensen), Donald Hamilton, Martin Voltz, and Greg Holladay.
In June of 1978, Rev. Paul and Henrietta Sorensen retired. That year, a pastoral team was called to Christian Tabernacle; four men co-equal in leadership, each having their own ministry focus. They were: Roger Sorensen (son of Rev. Paul and Henrietta Sorensen), Donald Hamilton, Martin Voltz, and Greg Holladay.
1980's
In 1982, Frederick Mackey was called as Senior Pastor. Under his leadership, missions involvement continued to be emphasized and several entered missionary ministry. The expositional preaching of the Word of God resulted in spiritual growth and stability for the congregation. The need for additional staff resulted in Glen Osborn being brought on as Assistant Pastor in 1984, working with music ministry and outreach.
1990's
In 1990, the name of the church was changed to Faith Community Church.
In 1993, Rev. Mackey responded to a call to another ministry in New Hersey, and in 1994, Rev. Glen Osborn was called by Faith Community Church to move to the position of Senior Pastor. Pastor Dave Cobb was called to become the new associate pastor in 1998.
In 1993, Rev. Mackey responded to a call to another ministry in New Hersey, and in 1994, Rev. Glen Osborn was called by Faith Community Church to move to the position of Senior Pastor. Pastor Dave Cobb was called to become the new associate pastor in 1998.
2000's
In 2001, Pastor Glen Osborn was called to leave Faith Community Church in order to become the President of China Outreach Ministries. After much prayer, Pastor Rodney Price was called to become the Senior Pastor at Faith Community Church in 2001. Pastor Cobb continued to serve as Associate Pastor, until he felt the call to a small congregation of his own in northwestern Ohio in 2005.
In 2008, Pastor Price left, and was called to pastor a church in Wisconsin. Pastor Elden Smith was called as Senior Pastor of Faith Community Church later that same year. He served with his wife Carol for 15 years, retiring from FCC at the end of 2023. Please pray for Pastor Elden and Carol's next chapter of ministry together!
On January 1st, 2024, Pastor Michael Middleton became Senior Pastor of FCC. Together with his wife Joanna, he desires to continue the church's long tradition of faithful, biblical preaching and teaching as we reach the community of Canton, Ohio and beyond.
Today, our Missions emphasis continues, with 23 missionaries, 13 pastors or chaplains, and 5 others serving in other full- or part-time capacities. Involvement in the Word of God is encouraged through preaching, teaching, small groups, and discipleship. The theme statement for the church is "Faith in Jesus is Our Focus, Community is Our Concern." Our vision for the future is to remain focused on faith in Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation, and the only way to spiritual fruitfulness.
In 2008, Pastor Price left, and was called to pastor a church in Wisconsin. Pastor Elden Smith was called as Senior Pastor of Faith Community Church later that same year. He served with his wife Carol for 15 years, retiring from FCC at the end of 2023. Please pray for Pastor Elden and Carol's next chapter of ministry together!
On January 1st, 2024, Pastor Michael Middleton became Senior Pastor of FCC. Together with his wife Joanna, he desires to continue the church's long tradition of faithful, biblical preaching and teaching as we reach the community of Canton, Ohio and beyond.
Today, our Missions emphasis continues, with 23 missionaries, 13 pastors or chaplains, and 5 others serving in other full- or part-time capacities. Involvement in the Word of God is encouraged through preaching, teaching, small groups, and discipleship. The theme statement for the church is "Faith in Jesus is Our Focus, Community is Our Concern." Our vision for the future is to remain focused on faith in Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation, and the only way to spiritual fruitfulness.