Cain’s Chapel is a Methodist Church with a rich heritage of more than 200 years in Elmore County, Alabama. The church lies between the cities of Wetumpka and Prattville in the small community called Slapout, AL. We are located approximately one-quarter mile from Holtville High School and near the shores of Lake Jordan, a 6800-acre impoundment on the Coosa River. Although situated in a small rural area, the church has a membership of 375 members who love our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Not only is Cain’s Chapel a church of rich tradition, but it is a church that supports traditional values based upon Biblical truths. Like most Methodist churches with Wesleyan heritage, our primary beliefs are founded upon the tenets of the Apostles’ Creed which are scripturally based. We believe the Holy Bible is the inspired word of God which contains valid truths for everyday living. Other vital doctrines include belief in the Trinity, the Virgin birth, the Resurrection, Salvation by grace through faith, forgiveness through the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ, a need to grow in our faith, and a desire to live a life of grace following the examples of Christ.

Whether visiting in our area or living nearby, we would love for you to join us soon for worship and Bible study. Please see our posted schedule of office hours and worship times or call us for further information at 334-569-2375.

Worshiping together for more than 200 years

Cain ’s Chapel, the oldest continuous church congregation in the Alabama River Region, was founded by Elisha Milton Cain. Moving from Orange County, SC, to the Pine Flat area in 1817, he constructed a log chapel there for his family, friends, and cherished workers. In 1820 he moved to the area of the current church site and built a brown wood frame building with sliding wooden windows, naming it Cain’s Chapel. Additional land enlarging the cemetery behind the church was given through the dowry of Mary A. Northrup Shelton (Elisha and Margaret Lewis Cain’s granddaughter) by her husband, Dr. John M. Shelton, about 1848. It is believed the cemetery was first used for the grave of a baby girl who died suddenly as her family passed through town while spending the night with the Cain’s. The grave was originally identified by a small house of bricks, which were accidentally removed in the 1950s. The two oldest legible tombstones are Infant Whittemore, 1848, and Mrs. Levina Benson, 1849. More than 783 graves include those of veterans from the War Between the States to the Vietnam War. Ranks include privates to commanders to a Bronze Star recipient. In 1885 Cain’s Chapel was put on the Deatsville Circuit of the Methodist Church. In 1890 a white-frame church with glass windows and green blinds was built with lumber donated by the Sheltons. The first parsonage (1947-1962) was a wood frame house. It was also used for church services in 1950-1951. During this time the men of the church took the white frame church apart, using materials saved for the red brick sanctuary. Through the efforts of the men and women, it was finished on a pay-as-you-go basis in 1953. The second parsonage, made of red bricks, was completed in 1963 later becoming a daycare, then office annex with prayer garden. In 1975 a steeple was mounted atop the sanctuary and a fellowship hall added. A 1988 renovation added colorful, inspiring, memorial, stained-glass windows to the sanctuary and vestibule. In 1993 the Family Life Center was erected to house church offices, classrooms, an auditorium, and kitchen. The James Moore Memorial Playground was added in 2005. In 2006 the Fellowship Hall was demolished to make way for a new Worship Center completed in September 2007. Both the Chapel and Worship Center are used for regular worship services. Sounds of church bells peal above the chapel and cemetery for miles thanks to the addition of an electronic Millennium Gold Carillon System dedicated Easter, April 20, 2014. The church and cemetery were listed in the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on October 25, 2018. A historical marker was erected and dedicated in January 2020 commemorating the church’s 200th anniversary.