89R23885 AMB-D
By: Dutton 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.