WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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“Hell House” has become an Ellettsville Halloween tradition, but this is not your ordinary haunted house fundraiser. Reverend Larry Mitchell of HOPE Ministries started Hell House in 2000 as a so-called “reality house,” portraying social problems like domestic violence, substance abuse, divorce and teen suicide as a result of demonic influences. People who come out of a trip to Hell House are offered salvation on the spot, and last year more than 400 participants accepted. The most controversial part of Hell House has always been the dramatized funeral of a gay man who died of AIDS. This has inspired several protests by LGBTQ groups over the past nine years, but organized protest has died down over time. Reverend Mitchell is well aware of the high PR value of protests, and the subjects of his event have drawn heavy press and TV attention. Entire congregations have bussed in from other towns to have a look. Mitchell says he’ll save your soul, but others say Hell House preaches hate. Decide for yourself in this classic WFHB Halloween feature produced by correspondent Brad Coffman.
