First United Methodist Church of Belton
Belton, Bell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Founded in 1850 when Bell County was created, this church was part of a circuit until 1869. By the 1880s, the membership had outgrown their original church building at Pearl and First Avenue. This larger sanctuary was erected in 1884-86, during the pastorate of the Rev. W.L. Nelms. Constructed of locally made bricks with a native stone foundation, it features Gothic Style detailing. The original steeple was removed during remodeling in 1925. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1978.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded in 1850, the same year Bell County was created, this Methodist congregation began on a frontier circuit before settling into a home of its own. By the 1880s the flock had outgrown its first building, and in 1884–86 members raised this larger Gothic-detailed sanctuary from locally made brick set on a native stone foundation. The original steeple came down in a 1925 remodeling.
Why it matters
A congregation that predates its own county seat reflects how faith communities anchored central Texas towns from their very first days of settlement.
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Related people
- · Rev. W.L. Nelms
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Early Bell County Jail
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A two-story log jail first stood on this site in 1854, replaced in 1873 by this building of native limestone. In 1874 vigilantes gathered from across Texas raided the jail and executed nine men held on charges of murder, robbery, and horse theft—an act contemporaries credited with helping end the region's lawlessness. The building later served the city of Belton before being sold, and was recorded as a Texas Historic Landmark in 1967.
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William Whitaker Reed
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