I passed by the Bowling Chapel Methodist Church in Roan Mountain, Tennessee a while back and couldn’t resist stopping for a picture, it drew me in like a moth to a flame. I just thought it was very photogenic and actually knew nothing of its history until I got back home and did a little research. I discovered that in addition to its obvious beauty and charm, it holds a tragic past.

The church was holding a revival service on a Tuesday evening in October of 1933 with the local constable, John Arnett, leading the choir in singing. According to news reports of the time, Arnett was reaching for his song hymnal following prayer when a shot rang out and a bullet struck him in the back. Arnett lived until that Friday before finally succumbing to the wound.

Witnesses outside fingered Arnett’s cousin, Howard Arnett, in the shooting, stating that he’d fired through an open window in the church. It was determined the murder was the result of backlash caused by John Arnett’s cracking down on rampant lawlessness in the area. In the end, Howard Arnett, Dayton Arnett and Robert Julian would each be sent to prison for their role in the shooting. A senseless tragedy in what is usually considered a safe place of worship and fellowship.

Bowling Chapel Methodist Church is an alluring landmark that combines captivating appeal, history and tragedy under one roof. Time has moved on and the people have passed away or attend a different facility, yet the church still stands tall, mysterious and, in its own weathered way, quite beautiful.

The last time I passed by, the church had been given a facelift with a new roof and numerous repairs and upgrades. It looks primed to last for another 100 years now. I found out the repairs were paid for by a local businessman, Floyd Storie, who funded the project to save the church from falling into ruin. Storie had attended the church as a small boy with his family and it had a special place in his heart.

Sadly, it would become a dying act as Mr. Storie would pass away shortly after its completion in October of 2018. He had been too sick to attend a homecoming celebration for the remodeling project held a week prior to his death but Floyd Storie was on the hearts and minds of attendees grateful for his efforts.

Floyd Storie might have passed away but his legacy lives on with the Bowling Chapel Methodist Church. Count me among those who are grateful for his kind efforts.