Rev. William H. Kelley, Neshoba, Miss., one of "Our Senior Soldiers," was born in Winston County, Mississippi. Professed religion when sixteen years old and united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at twenty-five. Shortly afterwards, he had strong impressions of a call to the gospel ministry; but resisted the impressions for years on account of his feelings of unworthiness and his very limited education.

After years of continued resistance of the Spirit call, Jonah-like, he yielded and offered himself to Mississippi Presbytery and was accepted, licensed and ordained in due course of time. No education except what he had gotten by individual effort, as he said, "around the fireside and the secret grove."

He was given charge of churches, and he studied hard to familiarize himself with the Word of God and the doctrines of his Church. He was so well grounded in the doctrine that when the unholy merger came, he realized that there was nothing else, "just the same or just as good," and he remained loyal to his Church and her people--the plea for "larger things" had no temptation for him. While never considered a strong preacher, yet his humble consecration, his earnest zeal and his devout enthusiasm have made him a power for good. He appreciated the importance of pastoral work among the people and thinks it vital to the success of the pastor and up-life of the churches. Since the merger in 1906--about 400 persons have professed religion under his ministry and about 300 have been added to the church membership.

Notwithstanding the three score of mile-posts on life's journey he is still strong in body and mind and spirit, and feels himself yet at his best. He is still looking with faith and hope upon greater opportunities, in the present and in the future, than our Church has yet known. He is heartily in accord with the publishing interests and is helping to place our good books in every Cumberland home. Those who know him expect him to go on for another score of years, and more, as an humble instrument of the Spirit's power adding souls to the Church and stars to his crown.

[Source: Our Senior Soldiers: The Biographies and Autobiographies of Eighty Cumberland Presbyterian Preachers. Compiled by The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication. The Assistance of Revs. J. L. Price and W. P. Kloster is Greatfully Acknowledged. Nashville, Tenn.: The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1915.]

Rev. W. H. Kelly, Neshoba, Miss.

Was born December 1, 1855. He departed this life January 7, 1939. Age 82 years, 1 month and 7 days. He professed faith in Christ at an early age, and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and shortly afterward felt the divine call to the ministry. He joined the presbytery at once and was soon licensed to preach.

A wonderful man has gone. He had all the churches he could take care of and he especially tried to look after the weak churches. He held meetings and did everything in his power to strengthen them.

He was always active in the work of the Lord. He served as an active minister for more than forty years.

He has done a great work in our midst. Eternity alone can tell the number of souls that have been won to Christ under his preaching.

He had a wide acquaintance and was loved by every one who knew him. Our hearts are made sad by his going, but let us say: "Whereas, God, in His infinite wisdom, has taken unto Himself our co-worker and brother in Christ, Rev. W. H. Kelly, be it resolved: First, that while we sorrow for his passing, we bow in humble submission to God's will, knowing that He doeth all things well. Second, that while we mourn his departure we truly believe that he is not dead, but asleep. Blessed are those who die in the Lord. Third, that the memory of his work for his Master and his devotion to his church as to his home will ever be an inspiration to us, to do a greater service for our Master. Fourth, that we commend his wife, children, relatives, and friends to the mercy of an All-wise Father, Who does all things well.

Funeral services were held at the Neshoba Baptist Church, in the presence of a large assembly, by Rev. C. E. Bailey, a lifelong friend.

-Rev. C. E. Bailey.

[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, April 20, 1939]

Information from the General Assembly Minutes of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church

1884, pages 117 & 136
W. H. Kelly, York, (sic: Yorka) Miss.
[Leake County]
Candidate - Mississippi Presbytery

1885, pages 132 & 153
W. H. Kelly, York, (sic: Yorka) Miss.
Candidate - Mississippi Presbytery

1886, pages 161 & 179
W. H. Kelly, Yorka, Miss.
Licentiate - Mississippi Presbytery

1887, pages 158 & 177
W. H. Kelly, Yorka, Miss.
Licentiate - Mississippi Presbytery
(information taken from 1886 directory)

1888, pages 170 & 188
W. H. Kelly, Yorka, Miss.
Licentiate - Mississippi Presbytery
(information taken from 1886 directory)

1889, pages 179 & 191
W. H. Kelly, Yorka, Miss.
Minister - Mississippi Presbytery