TITLE: Commemorating the relaunch of Eminence Baptist Church in Wallisville as The Cross Baptist Church.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the relaunch of Eminence Baptist Church in Wallisville as The Cross Baptist Church.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Members of the Wallisville community are celebrating the relaunch of Eminence Baptist Church as The Cross Baptist Church on July 27, 2025; and WHEREAS, This venerable religious institution can trace its origins back to 1893, when it began ministering to families near the Trinity River under the name Turtle Bay Baptist Church; the congregation built its first sanctuary on a donated acre of land in the woods, and it held frequent services with a preacher visiting once a month; and WHEREAS, The church later relocated to a nearby parcel of land along the highway, where it erected a one-room building; after reorganizing as Eminence Baptist Church, the congregation went on to thrive for many years; then in 2023, following a wave of community disengagement, the church initiated revitalization efforts with the support of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention and the North American Mission Board; this endeavor has culminated in the congregation's replanting as The Cross Baptist Church; and WHEREAS, Over the years, the church has benefited from the dedicated efforts of many outstanding clergy, including Pastor Shannon Cunningham, who leads the congregation today; united by their shared faith and strong traditions, the members of this notable house of worship have established a variety of commendable programs that foster fellowship and offer help to those in need; and WHEREAS, Countless Wallisville residents have looked to The Cross Baptist Church for spiritual guidance through the years, and it is a pleasure to join in honoring the church at this special time in its history; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commemorate the relaunch of Eminence Baptist Church as The Cross Baptist Church and extend to its members sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the church as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.