The story of Canon Methodist is closely tied to the history of its village. Canon, located on the western edge of Franklin County, is home to three historic churches: Canon Methodist, Canon Baptist, and Canon Universalist. The Methodist congregation was organized in 1905, with the present building completed in 1907. Canon Baptist was established in 1895, and Canon Universalist in 1885. All three were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

Canon is a small, picturesque farming community just three miles from Bowersville in Hart County. When it was laid out in 1875, it was called West Bowersville, but upon incorporation in 1902, the name was changed to Canon to avoid confusion with its neighbor.

Franklin County, created in 1784, was the first county established in Georgia after the Revolutionary War. The area was originally inhabited by the Lower Cherokee until they ceded the land in the Treaty of 1783. This part of Georgia was later settled by descendants of Job Bowers, born in Virginia in 1755, who moved to Georgia around the time of the Revolution. Bowers served in the war, but while home on furlough in 1779, he was dragged from his home and killed by Loyalists. His widow, Charity, was later granted substantial land in gratitude for his service. The Bowers family has remained deeply rooted in the region, with many descendants still living in the area and actively contributing to community life.

It is rare for a rural village of just over 800 residents to have three historic churches still standing. Both Canon Methodist and Canon Universalist remain active congregations, while Canon Baptist now worships in a newer, larger building. Together, these churches stand as enduring landmarks, preserving the faith, history, and architectural heritage of this small Georgia town.