First Presbyterian Church
Belton, Bell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
On October 21, 1860, the Rev. Levi Tenney established a Presbyterian congregation in Belton with eight founding members. After meeting in several locations during its early years, property was purchased west of the intersection of Second Ave. and North Pearl St. for the construction of a church building in 1879. The church relocated in 1905-1906 to a site on North Main, and in 1964 to the intersection of Church and Greenbriar. In addition to supporting Presbyterian missions and programs, members have contributed to community projects such as the Helping Hands Ministry and Meals on Wheels. First Presbyterian today continues to serve as a spiritual leader in the Belton community.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
On the eve of the Civil War in October 1860, the Rev. Levi Tenney gathered eight founding members into a Presbyterian congregation at Belton. After meeting in borrowed spaces, the church built its first home in 1879 and relocated twice more across the growing town over the next century. Alongside its Presbyterian mission work, members have long joined community efforts such as Helping Hands Ministry and Meals on Wheels.
Why it matters
Establishing churches was central to knitting together frontier Texas towns, and Belton's First Presbyterian has anchored civic and spiritual life there for well over a century.
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Related people
- · Rev. Levi Tenney
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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