Our History
The local assembly first organized in the fall of 1931 under the direction of Pastor S. E. Comstock. The name at that time was The Full Gospel Tabernacle Fellowship. Sixty-three members had identified themselves with the church body as charter members. Pastor Comstock and members of the tabernacle conducted a Soup Kitchen from Dec. 26, 1931 to Mar. 1, 1932, when Dakota County assumed responsibility for the project with Pastor Comstock acting as manager. He was also hired as the Overseer of the Poor of Dakota County. He continued in this capacity until May 15, 1932.
By action of a meeting held Jan. 26, 1932, the members petitioned the General Council of the Assemblies of God for affiliation. The Full Gospel Tabernacle Fellowship of South Sioux City, Nebraska, was officially recognized as one of the local assemblies in cooperative fellowship with the General Council of the Assemblies of God February 2, 1932, as recorded in a notification letter written by J. R. Evans, who was Secretary of the General Council at that time.
The original structure was moved onto the church site at 1219 First Avenue and had a sawdust floor. Building and updating the structure has been an on-going project of the local members. A basement was added to the original sanctuary which also had living quarters for the first pastors. In 1936 the pastor was allowed to rent a house which permitted the use of the former living quarters for classrooms. In 1960 plans were made for a new wing addition and the basement was begun which gave more classrooms, a kitchen and a fellowship hall. In 1965 the auditorium was constructed on the basement which also involved a new front. The 44 by 70 addition allowed for seating of 280. The former sanctuary allowed for an overflow room, nursery and offices. Continued improvements and remodeling are in progress.
Over the years church programs and activities kept pace with the community and ministry outreach through the members of the Christian Education Department, Youth Ministries-CA's, Royal Rangers, New Life Fellowship, Women's Ministries, Men's Fellowship, Chancel Choir, Missionary/Evangelism. The year of 1982 was our year of jubilee as we celebrated our 50th Anniversary with joy and anticipation as we await our Lord's return... continuing in the work of the ministry.
South Sioux Assembly in 2000 changed its name to River Hills Church of the Assemblies of God. River Hills relocated to its new facility in October 2004 on the Highway 77 by-pass in South Sioux City. This new facility has allowed us to minister to the needs of people in a more effective manner. We praise the Lord for these exciting times and look forward in what He has in store for His body.