TO RECOGNIZE RANDALL CHRISTY FOR SAVING THE GREAT PASSION PLAY IN ARKANSAS AND TO CELEBRATE THE SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE "NATIONAL WONDER IN THE NATURAL STATE" CHRIST OF THE OZARKS STATUE.
House Resolution 1039 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Randall Christy for his role in helping preserve the Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The resolution recounts the history of the Great Passion Play and the related Elna M. Smith Foundation “Five Sacred Projects,” including the Christ of the Ozarks statue, and notes that the production faced closure in 2012 because of financial difficulties. It highlights Christy’s effort to raise $75,000 in ten days to secure the 2013 season and credits him with ongoing work to improve the attraction.
The resolution also commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Christ of the Ozarks statue, describing it as a major and widely visited Ozarks attraction. It includes background facts about the statue’s dedication in 1966, its size, and its significance as a tourism landmark. The only operative provision is a directive that, upon adoption, a copy of the resolution be presented to Randall Christy by the Chief Clerk of the House.
HR1039 does not amend Arkansas statutes, create new legal duties, or appropriate funds. Its effect is limited to formal legislative recognition and commemoration, with no direct regulatory or fiscal impact on state law. The resolution primarily serves to honor an individual and celebrate a cultural and religious landmark associated with tourism in Eureka Springs.
The overall sentiment reflected in the bill text is strongly positive and celebratory. The resolution praises Randall Christy’s fundraising and preservation efforts and frames the Great Passion Play and Christ of the Ozarks as important Arkansas attractions. There is no evidence of opposition in the provided record, and the bill’s failure appears procedural, as it died in House Committee at sine die adjournment rather than through recorded controversy or a negative vote.
No substantive policy contention is evident in the bill text or available discussion record. Because the measure is a nonbinding honorary resolution, there are no apparent disputes over legal changes, spending, or regulation. The only notable issue is procedural: the resolution did not advance before adjournment, so it died in House Committee without recorded debate or votes.