Coryell County Historical Marker “Spotlight” | Purmela Baptist Church

PURMELA BAPTIST CHURCH

Marker text: 

This congregation traces its history to 1886, when the Rev. W.M. Blakely and

10 charter members organized the Basham Baptist Church in the old Basham

School Building at the Smith Cemetery (ca. 1.7 Mi. S). Basham Baptist Church

merged with Salem Baptist Church (also known as Round Valley Baptist Church) in

1901, and the new consolidated congregations built a sanctuary at Cravey

Crossing on Cowhouse Creek (ca. 2 mi SW). The church's name was changed to

Cravey Crossing Baptist Church. Worship services were conducted in the creek.

In 1927, after the congregation voted to relocate to this site, the Cravey

Crossing Church building was dismantled and rebuilt here by volunteers. The

name was changed to Purmela Baptist Church when construction was completed in

1928, and soon worship services were conducted weekly. Throughout its history,

this church has served members in a large rural area. The church facilities

have been enlarged over the years to serve the growing congregation, which

continues to maintain many of its historic traditions.

Marker erected in 1991.

Location:  From Gatesville, take Hwy. 84 about 14 miles west, then take FM 932 about

one mile north.