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. Mr. Joseph D. Neilson, a mmember of the church, a merchant, and a land owner of the community offered to donate 1 acre of land if the church was relocated. It was agreed and the new building was 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. There is the original journal of the members on hand for that time. The building was erected and dedicated in 1871 by Dr. D. C. Kelley, the presiding Elder. The Church was named Kelley's Chapel in honor of Dr. Kelley instead of keeping the name of Shady Grove.

A Women's Foreign Missionary Society was organized in 1881 by Mrs. S. E. Spence and made its first report in November of that year. There were 28 members and the society continued for many years.

In the early 1900's a new addition was added to the front of the church. It was divided into 3 rooms with double entrances on each side. In the early 1950's, two additional rooms were added to the rear of the original building for sunday school rooms. In 1993 a fellowship building ws built to the right of the existing vuilding. It was to have kitchen facilities but no bathroom. The final cost was $21,630.00. The permit was granted on October 4th, 1993 and was completed on November 21st, 1993. On July 14th, 1994 the building was fully paid for, just 9 months and 10 days from the date of the permit. This was made possible with fund raisers, and donations from former church members, much volunteer work and dedicated members of the church.

Kelley's Chapel has been kept in good repair with some modern conveniences added. In 2005 the center room at the front of the church was converted into a pastor's office which is now occupied by Dr. John Eades. Kelley's Chapel has been served by approximately 52 ministers since 1879, based on the earliest records that could be obtained. Our present minister is Dr. John Eades.

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

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.