A Brief History of First United Methodist Church, Killeen


The earliest beginnings of the church took place in the small community of Palo Alto, two and one-half miles northeast of Killeen, in 1872. In 1882, the First Methodist Episcopal Church South of Killeen was founded. This was the year when Killeen became a town as a result of the Santa Fe Railway’s westward movement through the territory. It was named for Frank P. Killeen, the Santa Fe vice-president.

The wooden church building built at Avenue A and Gray Street in approximately 1890 served a small congregation from Killeen, Palo Alto and Sugar Loaf. The building was remodeled and a bell tower and bell were added.

The first parsonage was replaced by a second parsonage built just north of the church. A tabernacle, built just east of the church, was used for summer revivals and some regular meetings.

The church remained in the Sugar Loaf Circuit until 1908 when it became a full-time charge under the pastorate of the Reverend R. F. Dunn. It was then called the Killeen Methodist Episcopal Church South.

A new church building was erected in 1912 at the corner of Gray Street and Avenue B and is the present Fellowship Hall. Many members contributed materials and labor for the new building. After the completion of the new church building in 1912, a bell tower was erected at the rear to support the large, heavy bell from the old church. The new sanctuary was paid for in 1918 during the pastorate of the Reverend A.E. Carroway and dedicated by Bishop W.N. Ainsworth.

In 1924, the second parsonage was replaced by a third as a new home was built on church property at Gray Street and Avenue A.

On May 10, 1939, the Methodist Episcopal Church South and the Methodist Episcopal Church North were consolidated, and the official name changed to the Methodist Church. Thus ended a long hiatus in the national church body going back to 1844.

With the establishment of Camp Hood, the church experienced new growth as the soldiers, their wives and families came to town. Sunday School attendance doubled and the balcony had to be used to seat all the worshipers who attended the morning services.

In the period 1944-1946, the church built an annex to the rear of the sanctuary that extended north to the then existing alley. This expansion provided more Sunday School rooms and a fellowship hall.

In 1953, a fourth parsonage was bought during the pastorate of Reverend W.M. Freenwaldt. This house is located at 1004 South Trimmier Road, at the corner of Trimmier Road and Fowler Avenue.

The early 1950s opened with the attention of the church membership directed toward the pressing need of physical expansion. Killeen’s population had increased from 1,280 in 1940 to slightly more than 7,000 in 1950.

In April 1959, a $65,000 fund raising drive was kicked off to raise money for a new sanctuary, which is the present facility. The proposed new sanctuary would seat 650 persons, and long range plans included new educational facilities to serve the needs of the Sunday School. Plans were made to eventually renovate the old sanctuary into a much needed fellowship hall and kitchen. The new construction would give the church a u-shaped plant. On October 11, 1959 ground was broken for the sanctuary, and on July 31,1960 the beautiful new sanctuary was dedicated much to the great pleasure of all members and others present. The present structure features high laminated arches, a huge cross at the back of the chancel, and a rich wood altar with lectern and pulpit on either side. The architecture continues the Georgian style to match that of the original sanctuary.

In July, 1962 plans were made for further construction on the proposed expansion of educational facilities and remodeling of the old sanctuary into the fellowship hall and kitchen. On June 30,1963, ground was broken for the new educational building. Following the completion of this structure, a spire and cross were added to the top of the new church in 1965.

The year 1968 was a turning point in the history of Methodism. The official name of the body was changed to United Methodist Church, signifying the reincorporation of the United Brethren denomination into the main church body.

The church’s fifth parsonage, located at 1902 Halbert Street, was dedicated on Sunday, May 18, 1969.

In the fall of 1976, the church dedicated the Lucile Clements Memorial Chapel, which was named in honor of a former member of the church and presented to the church by her husband, C.R. Clements, donor of the beautiful building.

During the pastorate of the Reverend Leonard Radde (1983-1989) the old Killeen Chamber of Commerce building was acquired, providing much needed space for offices, storage and a library. In the early pastorate of the Reverend Stephen Ramsdell (1992-1997), a generous bequest made possible a complete renovation of the sanctuary, including new carpets, pew cushions, remodeling of the choir and pulpit area, and the addition of skylights over the choir. A short time later, individual memorials made possible the addition of 10 beautiful chandeliers, greatly enhancing the appearance of the interior of the sanctuary.

Ground was broken in January,1998 for a facility on the south side of Killeen, a multi-purpose facility that would allow space for fellowship, dinners, dramas, worship, recreation, small-group meetings and child care. On September 30, 1999, the new Family Life Center was consecrated.

In 2002-2003, a number of significant innovations were made in the church’s physical needs. The second floor of the educational wing was completely renovated. The space directly over the Fellowship Hall, which had been used for recreational purposes, was converted into an engaging youth area.

In November 2003, the facade of the sanctuary was enhanced when the Doric pillars which had presided over the central part of the city with calm, eloquent dignity for many years, were lovingly retired and replaced by new ones after a highly successful capital campaign.

On March 26, 2006, at a duly called Charge Conference, the church voted to begin the process of building, consolidating, and moving all our ministries to the 25-acre property on the northeast corner of Elms and Cunningham roads in Killeen. The church had approved the purchase of this property on December 7, 2004. It was consecrated in an outdoor service on May 29, 2005. The Family Life Center was sold to consolidate our congregation into one facility and to help pay for the new church.

Construction has begun on the site with a much anticipated completion date in April, 2011.