Kelley's Chapel Church had its beginning in a revival held at Shady Groves Campground sometime prior to 1852. As a result of this revival Shady Grove Church was organized some two miles or more from the present day Walter Hill Community. James H. Warfield was the first pastor for Shady Grove Church. B.R. Grant was the presiding Elder.

During the war between the States the church building was used for a hospital, church and school. It was poorly cared for and greatly abused. It was decided that a new building be erected and located at Walter Hill. There are no definite records as to when this was done but it must have been in 1868 or 1869. At that time a large number of members were recieved. The building was erected and dedicated in 1871 by Dr. D. C. Kelley, the presiding Elder. The Church was named Kelley's Chapel instead of Shady Grove.

The Women's Foreign Missionary Society was organized in 1881 by Mrs. S. E. Spence.

The Church was closed for a short time in 1971 but due to the efforts of some in the church and the community it was re-opened just 15 months later.

Permits were obtained for the building of the fellowship hall in October of 1994.

Kelley's Chapel Reopens

The following is a reprint from an article in a newspaper provided by

Exiciting things have been happening at the United Methodist Church in Walter Hill. After having been officially closed for fifteen months, the historic Kelley's Chapel, orginized prior to 1852, has come alive!

In June, 1871, the Methodist conference officially closed the church at Walter Hill, at the request of a majority of its members, and sought the sale of the property. But the people in the community reacted quickly to save the church.

Mrs. Mary Martin furnished a mini-bus and Billy and Betty McDaniel began driving 150 miles a week picking up children and young people who wanted to come to church.

They organized a youth chior.

J. W. Bennett organized a Sunday School.

Several families who had not wanted to see the church closed helped to begin restoring the building and grounds and lead the young people. They contracted the Rev. Richard Shriver of the Wesley Foundation at MTSU in the hopes of getting leadership from the students. The Wesley Foundation eagerly involved itself and Gloria McCool, Terry Coats, Caneta Skelley, and Joy Shriver began planning programs and events.

The Rev. J. E. Broyles, Methodist District Superintendent, approved the plan, and Mr. Shriver became the unofficial minister, and with the help of Lay Preachers, services were held each Sunday.

Eugene Bugg was elected chairman of the Admininstrative Board, Mrs. D. A. Moore, treasurer, Lee O'Neal, President of the youth, and Mrs. R. H. Miller, refreshment coordinator.

A new roof was put on the building, and the interior was painted.

On Sunday October 1, District Superintendent Broyles officially reopened the church with Membership Sunday and the Holy Communion. "Dinner on the Grounds" was served in the afternnon, and the Rev. Jim Raines of Panama City, Flordia opened a revival, in the evening, to a full church.

Kelley's Chapel has indeed reopened.