March 14 marks the 21st anniversary of when Pastor Jerry Cook and his wife Rita started Freedom’s Way Baptist Church at Valencia Meadows Park. 

 The church began by meeting in the community center for almost five years before transitioning to a building on Railroad and 15th street in Newhall. The church remained in Newhall for over seven years until they moved to a storefront on Sierra Highway in Canyon Country for another five years. 

When the lease was up in 2019, Pastor Cook and the congregation were without a location for about 2 months and met at Embassy Suites until three churches merged into one.

On March 1, 2020, New Life Baptist Church, Freedom’s Way Baptist Church, and Sloan Canyon Church merged into one congregation. A few months later the church voted to maintain the Freedom’s Way Baptist Church name. 

Pastor Cook is married to his wife Rita and are the parents of three children; Jerry Jr, Derek, and Serena Cook. Pastor Cook is also the host of the weekly show Politics and the Pulpit which airs each Wednesday at 2:00pm on KHTS Hometown Station. 

The church is tucked against the rolling foothills on 4 acres where they also run Lighthouse Christian Academy and School.

The 21 year anniversary is set to take place on March 12 at the church, with a anniversary Sunday service. Congressman Mike Garcia and Mayor Jason Gibbs are also set to be attending. Service begins at 10:30am.

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