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

Bethel Primitive Baptist Church

Photographed By Larry D. Moore, August 6, 2018

1. Bethel Primitive Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. Bethel Primitive Baptist Church originated in the Palo Alto Community, which was located about 3.5 miles northeast of present Killeen. Organized about 1864, the congregation met in a Union Church building shared with other denominations.

When the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad was built through Bell County in 1882, the town of Killeen grew up along the rail line. The Palo Alto post office was discontinued, and the community declined after most of the residents moved to Killeen. By 1889 Bethel Primitive Baptist Church had relocated to this site.

Exhibiting design elements characteristic of the late 19th century, this structure is believed to be the oldest church building in Killeen. Its features include a steep gable roof, double-door entry with Gothic-inspired window details, and simple windows with protruding lintels.

A part of Bell County history for well over a century, Bethel Primitive Baptist Church continues to serve a small congregation. It stands as a reminder of early settlement and rural vernacular architecture. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark

Erected 1990 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 391.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.

Location.

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31° 6.849′ N, 97° 43.775′ W. Marker is in Killeen, Texas, in Bell County. Marker is on South Gray Street, 0.1 miles north of Long Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 S Gray, Killeen TX 76541, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Avenue D School (approx. half a mile away); First National Bank of Killeen (approx. 0.6 miles away); City of Killeen (approx. 0.6 miles away); Wednesday Review Club (approx. 0.7 miles away); Killeen Herald (approx. 1.1 miles away); Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery (approx. 2 miles away); Nolanville Encampment (approx. 7.2 miles away); Maxdale Cemetery (approx. 10.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Killeen.

Bethel Primitive Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry D. Moore, August 6, 2018

2. Bethel Primitive Baptist Church

Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2018, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 373 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on October 16, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 7, 2018, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.