Ryan Chapel was founded in 1866 after new settler Rev. Issac Ryan held a Methodist revival in a home before occupying it. His brother John was one of 19 charter members. L.H.D. and Sallie Guinn gave 7.5 acres for the church and cemetery. The first 16 by 20-foot church had puncheon seats and floor. The first pastor, Rev. Henry Wright, was paid in bacon, corn, and syrup.