Pastor Matthew L. Canada

Matthew L. Canada is a native of Jackson, Mississippi now residing in Madison, Mississippi. He was educated in the Jackson Public Schools System, graduating from Murrah High School. He furthered his education at Jackson State University earning his Bachelor and Master degrees in Music Education. He was greatly influenced by his instructors at Jackson State University which led to his personal growth and put him on an awesome journey of faith. Dr. Canada has a profound love for music. So much so that he co-founded and directed the Metropolitan Inspirational Community Choir (MICC) in the 1980’s. MICC traveled throughout the state inspiring souls through music. Some ten years later he was called to the Gospel Ministry. He was ordained and licensed by Dr. James C. Matthews, Truevine Baptist Church, Jackson, Mississippi. He then attended the Mississippi Baptist Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. He furthered pursued his education at ATS in Camille, Georgia receiving his Doctorate in Ministry. His pastorate began in 1990 serving Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Edwards, MS and Bright Star Baptist Church, Crystal Springs in 1992. In April of 1994 he was called to pastor Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, Madison, Mississippi where he remains pastor. Dr. Canada’s compassionate, charismatic spirit combined with the effective teaching and preaching of God’s Word led to unprecedented growth at Pilgrim Rest. Dr. Canada feels strongly about giving, serving, and sharing. As a servant-leader, he recognizes these actions to be opportunities for spiritual growth. He serves humbly, gratefully, purposefully, and prayerfully realizing that his influence should be a positive witness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His service on the local, state, and national levels include but are not limited to Moderator of the Madison County Baptist Association, President of the Inter-denomination Ministerial Alliance, Instructor at the Mississippi Baptist Seminary, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Mississippi Baptist Seminary, State Missionary, Member of the Budget Committee and Executive Secretary all of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention; 2nd Vice President, Southwest Regional Director, Vice President at Large of the Moderators Auxiliary and President of the Moderators Auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. Dr. Canada is married to Edna and together they have five children and ten grandchildren.