In 1900, the Mt. Canaan Baptist Church was established under the leadership of the Reverends John Bellamy and Willis Carter when a few devoted men and women met under a fig tree on Third Avenue to worship. That humble beginning, marked by faith and unity, laid the spiritual foundation for what would later become a vibrant and enduring ministry.

Just one year later, in 1901, Rev. Bellamy was led by the Spirit to separate from Mt. Canaan. He gathered a small group of fifteen committed members who began worshipping under a bush arbor on Fifth Street. This gathering of believers became known as the New Mt. Canaan Baptist Church.

With nothing but open air, wooden benches, and unshakable faith, these early pioneers worshipped with hearts full of praise and a vision for what God could do through them.

Later that same year, Rev. Bellamy resigned as pastor, and Rev. Pearson was called to lead. Under Rev. Pearson’s faithful leadership, the church took a bold and monumental step of faith by purchasing a tract of land for fifty dollars—a significant investment and sacrifice at the time. With this land, they constructed a shelter for worship. This humble structure would become the birthplace of what we now know as Fourth Street Baptist Church.

From these sacred beginnings, Fourth Street has continued to grow—not just in size, but in spiritual depth, community impact, and mission-minded service. Over the decades, God has used this congregation to nurture leaders, support families, spread the gospel, and uplift the Columbus community with steadfast faith and compassionate outreach.

Our story is one of resilience, rooted in the biblical principles of obedience, worship, and perseverance. It is a story marked by revival through adversity, faith through simplicity, and a relentless pursuit to serve God and His people.

Today, we honor those early trailblazers who met under trees and arbors with no buildings, only vision and belief. Their sacrifices echo in our worship, our ministries, and in the lives of every soul touched by the legacy of Fourth Street.