West Bend, WI — For more than 20 years, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church has displayed a very special Nativity set in the narthex as part of its Christmas festivities.
The scene is typically set up following Thanksgiving and exhibited throughout the Christmas season, which extends from December 25 (Christmas Day) until January 5.
According to Our Saviors’ “unofficial historian,” Mike Kurtz, the set was donated by Hope and Paul Nelson, retired teachers from West Bend High School, several decades ago.
The 30-piece set was originally owned by Hope’s father, Governor Harold G. Hoffman, the 41st governor of New Jersey (1935—1938). Governor Hoffman previously served two terms in the US House of Representatives from 1927—1931.
The set was displayed in the Governor’s mansion during his tenure, and Hope received the nativity set after her father’s passing in 1954.
While the origins of the set have been lost to history, it is believed the pieces are of Italian design and were likely produced in the late 1800’s or very early 1900’s.
Our Savior’s is proud to display this beautiful depiction of the birth of Jesus Christ and is thankful for the generosity of Hope Nelson and her family for this gift.
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, which has been a fixture of faith in West Bend for over 50 years, welcomes everyone—regardless of their faith tradition, or no tradition—to participate in its drives, activities, studies and worship