The old bell and cornerstone from the sanctuary of First Baptist Church that burned are preserved in a memorial and on display in front of the modern sanctuary.
The photo credit for the historic church photo from 1915 belongs to First Baptist Church.
From the church's website: (
visit link)
"Richard Howard, a South Carolinian, moved his family to Texas in 1855. He was employed by the Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and organized many Baptist churches in Central Texas. July 15, 1856, he organized a church at White Sulphur Springs in the town of Lampasas. This church became Lampasas' First Baptist Church.
. . .
In the late 1800's as the new railroad came to town, newcomers were pouring in by the hundreds. During a five year period over four hundred were received for baptism and several hundred by letter. A new church building was begun at Third and Key Avenues, but when half was completed, the financial bottom dropped out of all businesses and construction of the new church house was temporarily suspended. It was finally completed in 1890. This church house was destroyed by fire on February 20, 1937.
One year later on the third Sunday in February 1938, opening services were held in a new church house built on the same site. Cut stone from the former structure was used at the bottom of this new building.
Opening services were held in the present sanctuary, which joins the site of the past two churches, on January 17, 1960.
. . .
Over the past 155 years, the Lord has honored the commitment and dedication of His people. Today, FBC, Lampasas still stands at the crossroads of Central Texas proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.
The past has been incredible, the present is wonderful and the future is exciting!" [end]
A plaque on the monument reads as follows:
"This old bell and cornerstone were a part of the old First Baptist Church which stood at the corner of Third and Key from 1886 until the fire which destroyed the church in 1937. After the fire, the bell was given to two teen-age boys. One of the boys, Dr. Lloyd Smith kept the bell for nearly 45 years. On the occasion of the 125th anniversary of First Baptist Church, returned the bell to the church as a memorial to “come and worship.” The tolling of the bell says, “Come” and Jesus said, “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
November 8, 1981"