Remembering Clements Chapel

In 1964 Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Clements established a ten-year trust fund for the benefit of the First Baptist Church of Killeen. This trust fund was used to build the C.R. Clements Chapel adjoining the existing church building of First Baptist Church.

Clarence R. Clements was a long-time First Baptist Church of Killeen member, becoming a Deacon in 1937. He was also a Sunday School Superintendent and Sunday School teacher until he retired from teaching the Clements Men's Bible Class in October 1983 at the age of 88. Mr. Clements actively served on many committees, including the FBC Centennial Celebration in 1973.

Mr. Clements wanted to give the church something where everlasting bonds would be forged. Many weddings, funerals, Sunday early services, Senior Adult Sunday School, and Wednesday night prayer meetings were held in the chapel.

The Clements chapel was adorned with a beautiful Dalle deVere (slab glass) window of Jesus with outstretched hands which depicts Jesus and the seven churches. When the church moved from the downtown location, the stunning window was professionally removed piece by piece and reconstructed in the new First Baptist Church sanctuary at the W. S. Young Drive location.

During the dedication of the Clements Chapel on November 14, 1976, it was remarked that Clarence Clements had an exceptional love for God and His church, which was a testament to his faith.