Bethel Primitive Baptist Church began in the Palo Alto Community, about 3.5 miles northeast of present Killeen, and was organized about 1864. The congregation first met in a Union Church building shared with other denominations. After the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad was built through Bell County in 1882 and Killeen grew along the rail line, the Palo Alto post office was discontinued and the community declined as most residents moved to Killeen. By 1889 the church had relocated to this site. Showing design elements characteristic of the late 19th century, the building is believed to be the oldest church building in Killeen, with a steep gable roof, a double-door entry with Gothic-inspired window details, and simple windows with protruding lintels. For well over a century it has remained part of Bell County history, continuing to serve a small congregation and recalling early settlement and rural vernacular architecture.