Salado United Methodist Church
Historical marker location:In 1854, the Rev. Thomas Gilmore, a Methodist circuit rider, led a revival at Pecan Grove on the north side of Salado Creek. He organized a Methodist church and a Union Sunday school in a small frame building. During the next decades, the congregation met in a brush arbor and at Salado College before constructing a Carpenter Gothic sanctuary in 1890 on the corners of Stagecoach and Church streets. Initially served by pastors on the Belton circuit of the Methodist church, the congregation became part of the Salado circuit, or charge, which included churches in Bartlett, Bell Plains and Prairie Dell.
At the turn of the 20th century, the Salado circuit remained active, with an Epworth League for the church youth and a missionary, Emma Stone (Poteet) Pilley, serving overseas in Japan and China. Members also started a church library. By 1910, the circuit consisted of the Salado, Bell Plains and Prairie Dell congregations, which all continued to thrive. Each included programs such as vacation bible school and the Women's Society of Christian Service, as well as active youth and Sunday school programs. The Bell Plains church consolidated with the Salado church in 1940, and in 1951, the Prairie Dell members did the same, moving their long-time sanctuary to Salado to serve as a fellowship hall for their new congregation.
With a strong historic foundation of three area congregations, Salado United Methodist Church has continued to grow and thrive, contributing to its community through various programs and services. Due to area development, the church moved to this site in 2005, incorporating its 1890 sanctuary within new facilities. (2005)
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The county was officially established in 1850 and named after Governor Peter H. Bell. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived to take advantage of the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the primary industry in the region, with the first cotton gin built in 1853. The county also became an important shipping point due to its proximity to the Chisholm Trail, which was used to drive cattle to markets in the north.
During the Civil War, Bell County played a significant role in supporting the Confederate cause. Several Confederate camps were established in the area, and the county experienced some military action, including the Battle of Stampede Valley in 1863. After the war, the county began to recover and diversify its economy. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, bringing further growth and development.
In the 20th century, Bell County continued to experience growth and modernization. Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the country, was established in 1942. The presence of the military base provided a significant economic boost to the county and continues to be a major employer and contributor to the local economy. Today, Bell County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and military-related industries.
Bell County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bell County, Texas.
- 1834 - Bell County is established by the Republic of Texas
- 1850 - The first permanent settlement, known as Nolanville, is established
- 1851 - A post office is established in the town of Belton
- 1852 - The county seat is moved from Nolanville to Belton
- 1858 - The Belton Female College is founded
- 1861-1865 - Bell County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War
- 1870 - The Houston and Texas Central Railway arrives in Bell County, boosting economic growth
- 1881 - The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is founded in Belton
- 1892 - The town of Temple is established as a railroad town
- 1913 - The Santa Fe Railroad builds a major railroad station in Temple
- 1920s - Bell County experiences an oil boom
- 1957 - Construction begins on the Fort Hood military base
- 1980s - Bell County's economy diversifies with the growth of healthcare and technology industries
- 2005 - The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is established in Killeen