PART 2 By George Prowd
Fulfilling the Promise
True to the vision of Reverend Father C. Colden Hoffman, the church was established, the school was built, and the work of education and spiritual formation began.
The station was defined by strict discipline: the Sabbath was kept holy, no labor was permitted on Sundays, and rudeness was never tolerated. Under these principles, Hoffman Station evolved into a premier model of a missionary community. Families from distant regions took great pleasure in sending their children to Hoffman Station to seek a Christian education and the benefits of modern civilization.
The Authority of the Priest
In those days, the Priest served as the head of the community. He appointed the Community Chairperson and the Cemetery Caretaker, both of whom were required to be members of St. James Church.
During this era, seeking “township status”—as is common today—was not permitted. Hoffman Station remained a close-knit church community for generations. It was only recently, in 2004, that it transitioned into a township, with the Honorable Daniel Yieyee Allison serving as its first Commissioner.
The Church’s Land
Originally, the church held sufficient land to accommodate future development and expansion. Unfortunately, in the years following the passing of Father Hoffman, two prominent local families began to encroach upon the church’s premises. While the names of these families are well-known, they will be withheld here out of respect for the sanctity of this record.
The Arrival of Father William Sodo Newton
A legendary figure, Rev. Father William Sodo Newton, eventually arrived, bringing sweeping changes to both the church and the community…
TO BE CONTINUED