The Son of the late Mr. Esau Cannon and Mrs. Corrine Cannon was born and raised in Kannapolis, North Carolina where he attended public school. In 1984, Dr. Cannon received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA. In 1988, he earned a Master of Divinity Degree, specializing in the Bible from the Interdenominational Theological Center -- Johnson C. Smith University Seminary, Atlanta Georgia. He received his Doctor of Ministry Degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio in 1988.
Dr. Cannon's involvement with the Church is long-standing, he is committed to evangelism and community service.
+ A student member of Salem Presbyterian Church in Anderson, North Carolina.
+ Interned at Radcliffe Presbyterian Church in Atlanta Georgia & the outreach program at the West Hills Presbyterian Church
+ Was installed as Pastor/ Head of staff in 1992 at C.N. Jenkins Presbyterian Church
+ A member of The Board of Trustees at Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary
+ A member of the board of directors of Goodwill Industries of Central Carolina
+ Faculty Member of the Love of Learning Program at Davidson College
+ Former president for the National Black Presbyterian Caucus
+ A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Reverend Cannon is married to Mrs. Veronica Obey Cannon and they have four children: Rudolph, Raymond. Rosalyn, and Richard.
Rev. Phanta I. Lansden is a native of Morganton, North Carolina; the daughter of Lindsey “Perry” Lattimore Sr. and the late Donna Lattimore. She was reared in the AME Zion Church and served in various leadership roles. She felt the call, by the Lord, to pastoral ministry in 2005 while attending Rockwell AME Zion Church in Charlotte. After marriage in 2006 she joined her husband’s church, C.N. Jenkins Memorial Presbyterian Church and began training and Seminary education for pastoral ministry in the PC(USA). In July of 2017 she was called by C.N. Jenkins to serve as the Associate Pastor of Youth, Young Adults and Discipleship.
She is a 2016 graduate of Union Presbyterian Seminary and recipient of two awards: the Helen Dean Preaching Award, given to students who exhibit promise for effective preaching in the church and the James and Elizabeth Appleby Book Award, given to those whose commitment to Christ and spiritual promise indicate particularly fruitful pastorates to the glory of God.
She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and has worked in the field of social work for over 10 years. She comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience working with marginalized populations and continually strives to advocate for the rights, dignity and well being of all people.
She has served in various parish and non-parish settings in Charlotte and surrounding areas where she led the opening of a community clothing closet and food pantry, provided outreach to local schools, supervised interns, led worship, preached, provided administrative support, and led various community outreach events.
She lives by Proverbs 3:5-6, trusting in the Lord with all her heart and has dedicated her life to serving God and others with love and compassion.