Commemorating the 75th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Houston.

89(R) HR 882 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

H.R. No. 882

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Houston is

celebrating the 75th anniversary of its founding on June 28, 2025;

and

WHEREAS, The parish was established by decree of Bishop

Wendelin J. Nold on June 26, 1950, and five years later, its school

opened its doors to the community; under the leadership of Father

John Cummings, congregants initially met at Kashmere Gardens

Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, The church's current sanctuary was built in 1965 and

features a roof in the shape of a capuche, the pointed cowl worn by

St. Francis and other monks; the building survived flood damage

from Tropical Storm Allison in 2001 and from Hurricane Harvey in

2017, the latter of which necessitated 19 months of renovations and

restorations; parishioners have also endured and overcome

hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which ultimately

strengthened their faith and their resolve to continue serving

their neighbors; and

WHEREAS, Originally composed of Czech and other European

immigrants, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church is today a

predominantly African American congregation that also includes a

number of Filipino and Hispanic families; it is ably guided by

Father Martin Eke of the Missionary of St. Paul of Nigeria, and

parishioners are committed to upholding their motto "one family,

one love" by supporting a number of commendable programs that

foster fellowship and offer help to those in need; the parish

continues to be civically engaged in the Kashmere Gardens community

through such endeavors as hosting a mayoral debate in collaboration

with The Metropolitan Organization in 2023; and

WHEREAS, Countless Houston residents have looked to St.

Francis of Assisi Catholic Church for spiritual guidance over the

years, and it is a pleasure to join in honoring the church at this

special time in its rich history; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas

Legislature hereby commemorate the 75th anniversary of St. Francis

of Assisi Catholic Church in Houston 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.

Dutton

______________________________

Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 882 was adopted by the House on June

1, 2025, by a non-record vote.

______________________________

Chief Clerk of the House