Belton in Bell County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Baptist Church
of Belton
Clabaugh was called as permanent pastor of the church in 1856 and held services once a month until the beginning of the Civil War. Visiting ministers served the congregation during the war. A revival held in 1864 at the courthouse by the Rev. W.W. Harris resulted in many new members for the church.
The Rev. M.V. Smith began an eighteen-year pastorate in Belton in January 1875. The congregation, which had been meeting in other churches, built a stone structure on the east side of Main Street, south of the present church buildings. After the stone church was destroyed by fire in 1947, construction began on the present structure at 506 N. Main. The facilities have been enlarged over the years to serve the growing congregation.
With service to its congregation and the community, the church has contributed to Belton's history.
Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1616.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1875.
Location. 31° 3.686′ N, 97° 27.734′ W. Marker is in Belton, Texas, in Bell County. Marker is at the intersection of North Main Street (State Highway 317) and West 5th Avenue, on the left when traveling north on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Belton TX 76513, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Belton Woman's Commonwealth (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Bell County Jail (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of Sam Houston Speech (approx. 0.3 miles away); Woman's Wednesday Club (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Carnegie Library Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); A Memorial to Civil War Education in Texas (approx. 0.3 miles away); Scott & White School of Nursing (approx. 0.3 miles away); Luther Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Belton.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 325 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 2, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas.