Bethel Primitive Baptist Church and Log Cabin

May 16

The Killeen Area Heritage Association (KAHA) stewards two of the city’s oldest and most historically significant buildings: an early 20th century church and a log cabin that may date to the mid-1800s. The church—likely the oldest extant building in Killeen—features wood floors, pews, a pulpit, and a small baptismal font, offering insight into early religious and community life. Since its acquisition around 1982, KAHA has used the building as a repository for historical documents and artifacts and as a venue for small public events.

In recent years, the church building has suffered from deferred maintenance and security issues. A major kitchen roof leak forced KAHA to move stored artifacts into the sanctuary, crowding the space. Although the leak was patched, ongoing break-ins have occurred and temporary window boarding offers limited protection. The building now requires a full roof replacement, updated electrical wiring, security and fire alarm systems, and minor floor repairs due to water intrusion and poor site drainage.

The adjacent log cabin is a rare survival that reflects early domestic or outbuilding construction in the region, possibly predating the founding of Killeen. It retains original materials but suffers from structural instability due to an inadequate frame. KAHA seeks funding to stabilize the log structure and preserve its form. Together, these buildings represent a unique and increasingly vulnerable record of Killeen’s early community development. Their restoration will allow KAHA to protect historic materials, reestablish its presence in the church, and make both buildings accessible for public interpretation and educational programming.