Westmoreland County PA Archives Church Records.....Hoffman's Kirche/Church of Hope Copyright Date 1980
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Ellis Michaels ellisrn@gmail.com March 29, 2025, 10:13 pm

    Germans of both Lutheran and Reformed  backgrounds had 
settled in the South Huntingdon Township area prior to the 
Revolutionary War.  Prior to its official formation, 
Lutheran services for members living in the Barren Run area 
were held in private homes and, beginning in 1794, in a log 
house.

     In 1798 Henry Hoffman directed in his will that after 
the death of him and his wife, his farm of 49 acres was to 
be sold and the proceeds applied to the erection of a 
church.  A few years after his death, a brick building was 
erected.  It was dedicated by both Lutheran and Reformed 
pastors in 1813.  The church was organized as a German 
Church under the title of "Hoffman's Kirche" or "Church of 
Hope".  The cemetery adjoins the church property.  Several 
Revolutionary War  soldiers are buried there.  The last 
regular service of the church was held in 1917.  Union 
worship continued until 1846 when the Reformed Church 
discontinued services.  The church was eventually relocated 
to Smithton, but its burial ground remained in the control 
of the Hoffman Cemetery Association, which was chartered in 
1889.


Additional Comments:
Originally submitted 2010
Source: Westmoreland County Historical Society's Cemetery Index

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