PORT NECHES — The controversy surround the large concrete cross at Port Neches Riverfront Park may be over.

First United Methodist Church of Port Neches bought a 20-foot X 20-foot section of land where the 10-foot tall cross stands for the cost of $100 on Thursday.

Port Neches Mayor Glen Johnson deferred all questions to City Manager Andrè Wimer and the city’s attorney, Phillip Brent, following council’s approval. Councilmember Robert Arnold abstained from the vote that was otherwise unanimous.

“The city has the right to sell the land under state statute,” Brent answered in response to several questions regarding the issue. A question about the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s request to remove the cross and any possible litigation could not be answered, as it is a legal matter.

Wimer said the city looked at different options relative to the cross and this option was available under state statute.

In addition, the church is responsible for maintenance of the cross and area they purchased.

Late last year the city received a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation stating a resident of the city has objected to the display of the cross on public property.

The FFRF’s letter stated that the cross is a principal symbol of Christianity and the display of the cross alone would not reasonably be taken to have any secular point.

“The government’s permanent display of a Latin cross on public land is unconstitutional. The inherent religious significance of the Latin cross is undeniable and is not disguisable,” according to the letter signed by Rebecca S. Markert, staff attorney for FFRF, said in the original letter to the city. “No secular purpose, no matter how sincere, will detract from the overall message that the Latin cross stands for Christianity and that display promotes Christianity. The display of this patently religious symbol on public property confers government endorsement of Christianity, a blatant violation of the Establishment Clause.”

In January the FFRF sent another letter to the city once again asking for its removal. The issue has been in the hands of the city’s legal department since last November.

Community support of the cross spread as a local group began constructing and distributing free “little white crosses.”

The cross at the park was constructed of stone and mortar by Johnny Coward, owner of Tri City Concrete Company and Bob Bailey, of Bailey Masonry Inc., according to information in a newspaper called The Chronicle dated Feb. 18, 1970. The cross was completed in March 1970 and about 600 people were in attendance at the service.

Mary Meaux: 721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews