Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically dispensing chemical sticks into a well bore is provided. In the preferred form, the apparatus is for dispensing soap sticks to unload an oil/gas producing well of fluid, e.g., salt water, built-up therein. The apparatus is a tubular receptacle with an upper storage section and a lower receiving chamber with sticks stacked end-to-end in the storage section and fed, as by gravity feed, to the receiving chamber after a stick is dispensed therefrom. An operating mechanism controls dispensing so that a stick is dispensed based on a predetermined timing sequence or when a predetermined well condition is reached. A preferred soap stick for use in the apparatus includes a water-soluble, flexible, resilient sheath encasing the stick body tightly therein.