Bringing life back to historic church

WALLISVILLE— A church that opened its doors in 1893 recently received a remodel and some needed maintenance thanks to efforts by a new pastor to bring life back into the church.

With recent efforts by Pastor Shannon Cunningham and his wife, Annie, The Cross Baptist Church, formerly Eminence Baptist Church, is coming alive again.

“In the course of 133 years, this church, though it had gotten small, it was still here,” Cunningham said. “We want to continue that work. We’re not wiping away the past.”

Cunningham noted that they don’t have much on the church’s past, but the American Baptist Historical Society is looking through records to help preserve its history.

Cunningham said he wants to preserve the history so people can “look back and see God’s faithfulness through the years.”

Founded by T. H. Feagin, along with First Baptist Church in Liberty and Calvary Baptist Church in Beaumont, the church originally opened as Turtle Bay Baptist Church.

The Cunninghams moved to Wallisville in 2023 and immediately began revitalization efforts.

Cunningham explained that they decided to rename the church because of three primary reasons: clarity to the community, refreshing the church’s image, and to better reflect the church’s mission.

The church was named after the community of Eminence, and Cunningham said newer residents are unfamiliar with the history.

Cunningham explained that they are going through a gospel-centered reestablishing effort, which encompasses more than just a name change.

When the Cunninghams arrived, there were about 10 people in the congregation, all seniors, and now they sit at about 30 people, ranging from infants to seniors.

The Cunninghams officially were named a church planter by the North American Mission Board, which is an entity of the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention, after going through an extensive application process.

As a planter, they receive various resources from the board, including training and financial assistance.

The current building was constructed in the 1960s, and Cunningham explained that the building had a good foundation, but weathering and a lack of maintenance caused a few issues.

A portion of the fellowship hall was rotted and there was no hot water, but the church partnered with Old River Baptist Church to repair and remodel the buildings.

Studs were changed out, and the exterior and flooring were changed out.

Annie worked with her father to remodel the bathrooms in the church, and Annie said the congregation loved the look so much that Annie replaced all the flooring throughout the hallway and offices.

Additionally, they set up a nursery and toddler room, and they remodeled the classroom.

Cunningham noted they would prefer if children were a part of services rather than in the nursery, with Annie adding that it allows the children to see their parents worship and allows them to feel connected to the congregation.

“Everybody is an integral part of our church and the church as a whole,” Annie said.

Last year, the church had their first vacation Bible school in about 50 years, with canvasing help from mission team from Gulf Port, Mississippi.

Group and individual efforts have allowed the church to remain open throughout the decades, whether financially or through service, and the Cunninghams expressed deep gratitude to the people who have helped along the way.

“It gives you a sense of awe and reverence because the Lord is doing something here, and he’s going to accomplish it,” Annie said.

Buddy Mitchell, who is in his 80s, was a name that popped up a few times as the Cunninghams noted he built the wooden cross that currently hangs in the church, and he kept the church’s doors open during COVID-19 when most in the congregation were too afraid to attend services.

On Sunday, July 27, during the church’s first service as Cross Baptist, House District 23 Rep. Terri Leo Wilson presented a resolution recognizing the church’s history and revitalization efforts.

Cunningham said they follow the Regulative Principle, meaning they only worship in the ways explained in scripture. Services follow a pattern of scripture readings followed by song, ending with a sermon and prayer.

Services are at 10:45 a.m. each Sunday at Cross Baptist Church, 6619 FM 563, Wallisville.

For more information on the church, visit thecrossbaptist.org, call 409-389-2247, or email info@thecrossbaptist.org.