Lampasas in Lampasas County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Old Bell of First Baptist Church

Photographed By James Hulse, June 14, 2021

1. Old Bell of First Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This old bell and cornerstone were a part of the old First Baptist Church which stood at the corner of Third and Key from 1886 until the fire which destroyed the church in 1937. After the fire the bell was given to two teen-age boys. One of the boys, Dr. Lloyd Smith, kept the bell for nearly 45 years and on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of First Baptist Church returned the bell to the church as a memorial to "come and worship". The tolling of the bell says, "Come" and Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Erected 1981.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 31° 3.856′ N, 98° 10.991′ W. Marker is in Lampasas, Texas, in Lampasas County. Marker is at the intersection of West 3rd Street and South Key Avenue (U.S. 190), on the left when traveling west on West 3rd Street. The marker is located on a small pedestal near the north entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 402 South Key Avenue, Lampasas TX 76550, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

The Old Bell and cornerstone of First Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, June 14, 2021

2. The Old Bell and cornerstone of First Baptist Church

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are within walking distance of this marker. First Baptist Church (a few steps from this marker); First Presbyterian Church (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Central Christian Church (about 700 feet away); St. Mary's Episcopal Church (about 700 feet away); Matt and Rebecca Smith House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Old Opera House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Malone-Manuel House (approx. ¼ mile away); Manuel Hardware Building (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lampasas.

The view of the Old Bell and Church from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, June 14, 2021

3. The view of the Old Bell and Church from the street

Cornerstone of First Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, June 14, 2021

4. Cornerstone of First Baptist Church

Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 93 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 18, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.