Protection of Religious Expression in Public Schools

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Bankson and 13 co-sponsors

Ceremonially recognizes the St. John Cultural Arts Center at the Promise Land Historic Site for its role in preserving Tennessee’s cultural heritage and history.

Died in Rules

#(adopted)

Summary: House Joint Resolution 583 (HJR 583) – St. John Cultural Arts Center at the Promise Land Historic Site

What the bill is

A joint resolution recognizing and commending the St. John Cultural Arts Center at the Promise Land Historic Site.

Status: Signed by the Governor (April 24, 2025), finalizing the measure.

Sponsor: Representative Littleton.

Purpose: Ceremonial acknowledgment of the center’s dedication, significance, and contributions to Tennessee’s cultural and historic landscape. It does not create new law or funding obligations.

Purpose and intent

To formally recognize the St. John Cultural Arts Center as a welcoming space that supports educational and cultural encounters.

To honor the Promise Land Heritage Association (PLHA) and its partners for restoring and operating the historic church building as a hub for cultural activities, including choral concerts, art exhibitions, and traveling history displays.

To highlight the center’s role in preserving and sharing the history of Promise Land and its community, including ties to John Lewis, The Promise Land Singers, the School Museum, and the broader local history.

Key provisions and changes

Recognizes the dedication of the St. John Cultural Arts Center at the Promise Land Historic Site, which took place on September 8, 2024.

Acknowledges the building’s history: originally constructed in the 1880s as part of the St. John Methodist Church; rebuilt in 1935 after a fire; restored and renovated by Leatherwood, Inc. in collaboration with PLHA Restoration Committee, with renovation completed December 2023.

Notes the center’s ongoing availability for rental use for celebrations and meetings.

Affirms the association with notable local history assets (John Lewis, The Promise Land Singers) and the School Museum as part of creating an enduring sense of place.

Provides for an “appropriate copy” of the resolution to be prepared and presented, with procedural language for Senate/House concurrence.

Who/what is affected

The Promise Land community, PLHA, and stakeholders involved in preserving and promoting the Promise Land Historic Site.

The St. John Cultural Arts Center as a recognized cultural institution within Tennessee.

No new regulatory requirements, fiscal appropriations, or policy shifts are created by this resolution.

Procedural and timeline highlights

Introduced: April 3, 2025.

House actions: Engrossed April 8, 2025; Adopted April 7, 2025.

Senate actions: Concurred April 14, 2025; transmitted to Governor April 21, 2025.

Governor’s action: Signed and enacted into law (April 24, 2025).

Bottom line

HJR 583 is a ceremonial, bicameral recognition of the St. John Cultural Arts Center at the Promise Land Historic Site, celebrating its dedication, historic significance, and role in preserving Tennessee’s cultural heritage.