About Our Church
Hope Lutheran Church History
Since 1918, Hope Lutheran Church has been a steadfast presence in the Driving Park neighborhood, established by the children and grandchildren of German immigrants who settled in the area. In the 1960s, the congregation made a deliberate shift to become a multicultural and intergenerational community of faith, committed to serving all people in Driving Park and beyond.
The church campus centers around a striking stone building constructed in 1955, featuring a spacious sanctuary, fellowship hall, offices, and multiple classrooms. In addition, the congregation owns a neighboring duplex and several adjacent lots that provide extra parking and serve as community play areas.
About the Pastor
Pastor Smeck is grateful to serve with the people of Hope. She is originally from the central Ohio area and grew up in Baltimore. She graduated from Ohio State and attended seminary at Trinity Lutheran Seminary.
She returned to Columbus after serving St. Mark Lutheran Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan for
twenty-four years.
“I love to worship with the people of Hope. The congregation worships. The musicians are
outstanding, and the congregational singing is powerful. People worship God at Hope, whether
in person or online. It is such a blessing to serve with people of such deep faith. I’m also
grateful to be part of Hope’s ministry in the community. While COVID-19 made that ministry
evolve, what is exciting is the congregations’ abiding commitment to the neighborhood. And
Jesus!