Hissom Inter-City Mission

The mission of giving at Hissom Holiness Tabernacle was a way of life for the founder Earl Hissom, Sr. If you travel through the Kanawha Valley for just a day you can hear people tell their stories of Earl Hissom, Sr's ministry and radio program.

The Hissom Holiness Tabernacle and Hissom Mission began serving free Thanksgiving dinners in 1933, the same year the tabernacle was founded by the Rev. Earl Hissom. The dinners were prepared in the tabernacle building on Garrison Avenue and served in tents until 1951.

Then the meals were served in the basement of the tabernacle, at Spring Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Today, the Thanksgiving Day tradition of free dinners still continues at Hissom Interdenominational Mission.


Hissom Mission Founder Hissom Tabernacle Pastor Earl G. Hissom Sr.				Hissom Tabernacle Pastor Church of Emmanuel Founder Earl G. Hissom, Jr.				Hissom Tabernacle Church of Emmanuel Pastor Hissom Mission Director Earl G. Hissom, III

The legacy of the Earls did not stop with name only. As you can see, each generation picked up the torch of his father and added to its glow. And, although Earl III passed away in 2007, HIM is committed to continue on with the same dedication and caring. We use the scripture quoted by Earl Sr. "And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled" (Luke 14:23); Earl Jr's favorite verse, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8); Earl III's words, "We're still here, and we still care," and his favorite scripture, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14) as our torch.