Pastor, Bishop Rodney Samuel Canion

Bishop Rodney Samuel Canion is the fifth and youngest child of the late Bishop Samuel Canion and the late Dr. Minnie Mae Canion. Born in Elmhurst, New York in 1957, he was raised in Jamaica, Queens and attended school at Forest Hills. He is a graduate of Forest Hills High School and attended both Queensborough C.C. and Queens College before embarking on a business career.

Early in his career, he became reacquainted with a young lady he had known as a child at Gospel Temple, JoAnn Nazarie Gooding. They have been married since August 11, 1979 and have been blessed with four 'entertaining' children, Erika Sharese, Jantoya Nicole, Joshua Samuel, and Shominique Danielle, three grandsons, Karder, Quinton, and Jordan, and one son-in-law, Daniel Coy.

Bishop Canion's musical path was paved by the founder of Gospel Temple Church of America, Bishop Benjamin Horace Broadie and guitarist, Deacon Roy Thompson. The Lord gifted his ears to 'pick up' songs quickly and he has recorded with numerous recording artists.

Bishop Canion at times would feel the pull to fully pursue this musical path and would consult his father, who would always say, "Pray about it." God never granted the release and he dedicated himself to his church and the ministry. His father would from time to time ask his son's thoughts and ideas, which were in reality teaching sessions, which his son has never forgotten.

When the Lord called Bishop Samuel Canion home, his son was immediately reminded of his call to the ministry as a little boy. Though he had denied it and the devil had delayed it, the Lord had already ordained it.

He helped his mother, Dr. Minnie Mae Canion, in many aspects of the ministry, some seen and others unseen. Bishop Canion remembers vividly his mother saying often that his father had "prayed for him" (for his birth). Her spirit of praise and worship has been imparted to him. Through turbulent trials and obstacles he has learned how to "rest in the Lord and know that all things work together for good to them that love the Lord." During Dr. Canion's tenure, he was designated 'officiating Elder' and later consecrated to the bishopric. He served for a brief period as pastor of Cathedral of Praise, GTCOA in Perth Amboy, NJ, where he and his family were stretched by God and he learned that "prayer is the key and faith unlocks the door." The Lord then saw fit to bring one of his "precious" jewels on home. Dr. Minnie Mae Canion's labor was finished and her "baby" had been born "for such a time as this!"

Led by the Lord and the Holy Spirit, Bishop Canion and the Gospel Temple Church reunited in fellowship with the Church of God in Christ in 2002. He currently serves on the Executive Board of the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Eastern New York COGIC. In addition to this, he served as Commissioner of Education for the O.M. Kelly Religious Training Institute from 2006 through 2008, and currently he serves as one of the Commisioners of the Jurisdictional Men's Department. All these things came at the behest of the Jurisdictional Prelate, The Bishop James H. Gaylord.

In late 2004 God deposited a Word in Bishop's spirit, "Unlimited Possibilities" which began our exodus from 2056 5th Avenue to our newly built facilities at 1556-1554 Minford Place in the Bronx. Though a daunting undertaking, Bishop says: "To God be the glory for granting us the victory!"

Thus marked the beginning of The New Gospel Temple COGIC!

Shepherd Mother, Evangelist JoAnn Nazarie Canion

She is the eldest of four children born to Bishop Ceacer and Evangelist Josephine Gooding. Evangelist Canion was born and raised in Manhattan, New York. She attended Jane Addams High School and Lehman College in a nursing program. She has also attended the Manhattan Bible Institute and the S & M Canion Bible Institute.

She has been married to Bishop Rodney Samuel Canion since August 11, 1979. From this union are four children, Erika Sharese, Jantoya Nicole, Joshua Samuel and Shominique Danielle. She has three grandsons, who are the joy of her life, Karder, Quinton, and Jordan along with one son-in-law, Daniel Coy (Erika). She diligently worked for many years at Miracle Revival Temple, under the leadership of her parents, as choir president, choir directress and as a primary bible school teacher.

As a member of Gospel Temple COGIC she served faithfully as a choir member, choir directress, Sunday school teacher, youth department president, S & M Chorus president and editor of the G.T. Connection Newsletter.

She is currently a choir member, R & J Ensemble president, coordinator of the puppet ministry, and the founder and first administrator of the United Women For Christ.

She has many years of banking experience as a Customer Service Representative, as a florist and as the manager of Central Middle School in Northern New Jersey.

Evangelist Canion is committed to and loves the Lord and has enjoyed teaching and preaching the Word of God since June 9, 1995. She loves working by her husband's side in the ministry and as one of his associate pastors. Evangelist Canion finds great joy when a soul comes to Christ knowing "God Is Awesome."