The Cliffside Baptist mission was launched as a project of Summit Baptist Church in November, 1952, when financial help for a new building was provided by the Co-operative Fund of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The church was a mission until April 18, 1954 when the Articles of Faith and the Church Covenant were adopted in the morning service. The new church started with a total of 74 charter members, including 17 who presented themselves for membership at the constitution meeting.