The congregation was formed in 1893 and was known as First United Presbyterian
at that time. After reunion of Presbyterian denominations in the 1950's the
name was changed to John Knox United Presbyterian, as there would have been two
First United churches in Canton. After the second reunion the "united" was
dropped from the name to give John Knox Presbyterian.
The first church building was completed at Third and McKinley Streets in 1896.
The building no longer exists. The second building, which was on Cleveland Avenue,
began services in 1925.
During some of the hard economic times members of the congregation were willing to
mortgage their individual homes to provide money to keep the church alive. Later
members bought shares in the Kentview Corporation to help purchase the land that was
needed for the mission church, and later yet the church sold bonds to help finance
one of the building additions.
In the mid 1960’s it became apparent that decisions were needed relative to the future
of the Cleveland Ave. location and whether the congregation should stay there. Much
time and prayer led to the starting of a mission congregation in Jackson Township.
The present building was begun in 1969. In 1966 the concept of "One congregation,
Two locations" was begun. In 1978 the congregation reunited to the present location
in Jackson Township. The building has been expanded both in 1985 and 1998.
The congregation continues to have a heart for missions. Besides monetary support
offered, the youth have been involved with mission activities, both local and elsewhere.
They have taken trips to work with poor and under privileged in other states. The
congregation has participated in local Habitat for Humanity home building, the Total
Living Center, and Calvary Mission in Canton. In recent years we have had members
traveling to Jamaica as a part of TEAMS for Medical Missions.
Inter-Faith Campus Ministry was begun in 1971 at the Kent State University branch and
Stark Technical College. IFCM uses our building to run a preschool. This is one avenue
of community outreach that is supported by the congregation. We supply information to
the preschool to distribute to the parents of the children, inviting them to join us in activities.
The congregation has had 14 ministers, two assistant ministers, and one associate minister
over the years.
A second service was begun in 1985. While attendance was initially small, it grew over time.
We have had as many as three services since then, but are now at two. In September 2001 one
service was designated as contemporary, offering music using a praise band.
The congregation has been a willing host for presbytery events and meetings. Members have
been willing to serve on a variety of committees of the presbytery.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.
-Psalm 100:5