Canaan Land UPC - Leaksville

In 1963, Reverend and Mrs. Dan B. Hillman founded the Canaan Land United Pentecostal Church. Their burden was to come home after pastoring in other areas of the state to bring the gospel to their family and the surrounding community in which they held close ties. They knew that it would not be easy, but God would be with them. They had five daughters, Althea, Sharon, Elsie, Margie, and Dixie, who helped them in various building stages. Brother and Sister Hillman both preached, prayed, and fasted that God would bless their efforts of donating family land at 26637 Highway 57 South, Leakesville, in Greene County. Brother Hillman was bi-vocational, so he could finance most of the church construction so people could be saved and baptized in the beautiful name of Jesus Christ. Salvation for others was their heartbeat.

God continued to bless, and they built a new sanctuary in the late 1970s. Overcoming many obstacles, they continued to bring revival by having a heart for young preachers. Brother Hillman helped any young preacher who felt their call to the ministry. People would pray through, and they would take them down to the old baptismal hole in Big Creek and bury them in the most beautiful name of Jesus.

In August of 1988, they decided to have a tent revival. Brother Hillman said, "Let us see what God will do?" God poured out his spirit on that meeting as Reverend Kenneth Mathis, guest evangelist, would preach his heart out every night. Seventeen received the Holy Ghost in that meeting that lasted for a month.

Brother Hillman faithfully served Canaan Land until his death on March 2, 2001.

Reverend and Sister Kenneth Mathis was elected pastor to follow the Hillmans in 2001 and served until 2003. Through their labor and burden for revival, they brought many changes for the church to continue to move forward and be the transition for the pastors to come. In 2003, the Mathises felt God calling them elsewhere.

Reverend David L. Clark was praying in his home at Jayess, Mississippi, one morning when the Lord spoke to him about a church. At first, Brother Clark thought God had to be kidding? God said, "You go stake it out, and I will build it!"

In June of 2003, Reverend and Sister David L. Clark, with their four children Jessica, Taylor, Daleree, and Ashton, accepted the call. He remembers telling his wife, Kim: "Don't see what it is, SEE what it can become." The Clark family brought significant growth to Canaan Land United Pentecostal Church throughout their leadership. They remodeled the sanctuary upon arrival. Secondly, In 2007, the congregation erected a new educational and fellowship facility, and finally, a new sanctuary was completed in 2020. The Clarks lead the church to be debt-free while implementing the "Pay as you Build Approach."

The Clarks currently serve as Canaan Land United Pentecostal Church pastor, and they are expecting more extraordinary things to come.