Our Church History

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Our late founding pastor, Elder James R. Purdom, Jr. was ordained by the late Bishop Benjamin J. Crouch. Pastor James R. Purdom founded and organized the Rock of The Valley Church Of God in Christ. His vision was to reach the lost and provide a church in a community that he considered being un-churched. Established in 1995. Rock of the Valley first began meeting at Mission Hills Inn hotel conference room on Sundays. Prayer and Bible Band was held at the home of the Pastor Purdom.

Within three months of the opening of our church, the church had to locate larger space at a school auditorium with two additional classrooms. Bible study and choir rehearsals were held in an adjacent public park facility.

Elder Purdom would do street ministry by going into the surrounding community sharing the gospel and passing out tracks. He was the Sylmar Juvenile Hall Chaplin for many years. He and his wife had such a passion to help combat hunger that they started a food distribution program which went from serving 40 individuals per week to hundreds.   Because of the rapid growth of the church attendance, the church sanctuary was remodeled under Pastor H.C. Purdom with an intense desire to have a building where services could be held, the church body began to fast and pray as we searched for suitable space. The Lord led the congregation to its a present location where God told Pastor Purdom to ‘minister to the needs of many people. Rock of the Valley is a mission-minded church with various mission programs. Community outreach activities include the Mission’s Food Pantry and Convalescent ministry.

Rock of the Valley is a fully functional church which consists of various auxiliaries and ministries: Men’s Department, Women’s Department, Young Adults Ministry, and iRock Children & Youth ministry. Each department is active units established by the Church of God in Christ for reaching all ages.

On Tuesday morning, November 3, 2010, Superintendent Elder James Purdom was called home to be with the Lord. On December 10, 2010, the Bishop J. Bernard Hackworth of Testimonial Cathedral C.O.G.I.C. appointed Evangelist H. Cathy Purdom (widow of Superintendent James Purdom) to be Pastor of Rock of the Valley Church of God in Christ.

Rock of the Valley has two worship services on Sundays, morning and evening, as well as an active Sunday School. During the week, there is Prayer and Bible Band, Bible Study, Morning Prayer on Wednesday s, and Friday evening Bible Teaching. Much of the growth of the church is due to the intercessory prayer on Fridays at noon. Rock of the Valley is part of the Greater Love District of the Church of God in Christ with Bishop J. Bernard Hackworth of the Metropolitan Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Southern California.