It’s a tradition that has continued at a small church at Cloudland for over 130 years.  “Decoration Day” was once held at many churches and cemeteries across the South, but in recent decades the day to remember loved ones who have passed on has faded into history in many communities.  However, the tradition has remained alive at Mt. Olive Church at Cloudland. 

The small-framed church house was built in 1887 as Mt. Olive Methodist Church and served the community for many years as a church and even was used as a school for a period of time when the old school house near Gilreath Mill burned in the early 1900’s.

While there is no active church congregation at Mt. Olive these days, hundreds of people from Cloudland, or who trace their roots back to Cloudland, make the annual trip to the church and cemetery on third Sunday in May for “Decoration Day.”

This year, Bro. Brian Kieth, pastor of Cove Road Baptist Church on the mountain will be leading the Decoration Day service at Mt. Olive.  However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no dinner following the morning service.

Mt. Olive Church is located on Highway 157 at Cloudland, about a mile below the Walker County Line.  Decoration Day services will be held this Sunday, May 17th at 11 AM (Georgia Time).