The Brethren were a persecuted minority Christian movement which began in Europe in 1708. Al that time all citizens of the countries of Europe were required by law to join one of three state churches: Catholic, Lutheran, or Reformed. The Brethren insisted that the true church was not aligned with political powers nor bound by geography. They publicly baptized believers in defiance of the established authorities. Persecution drove them to America where they found freedom of religion. Their evangelistic fervor caused their form of Christianity to flourish and grow.
The Church on Benshoff Hill had its early roots within the Conemaugh congregation of the German Baptist Brethren. This congregation covered a large geographic area.
The first services were held in private homes; those of George Benshoff, Eli Benshoff, and George Knavel are mentioned in the records.
Land for the current church was deeded in 1852. The original church building (a wooden structure) was built that year or the year following. It was one of the first meeting houses of the Conemaugh congregation and was known as the Benshoof (original spelling of the name) Hill meeting house, named after one of the families donating land for the building.
Following the typical early Brethren pattern of dividing congregations, the Conemaugh congregation divided in 1879. The Benshoff Hill congregation became part of the Johnstown congregation. The meeting house was remodeled in 1882. The Johnstown congregation divided in 1899 and Benshoff Hill became part of the West Johnstown congregation.
Finally in 1915, the West Johnstown group divided into three congregations that are still standing: Roxbury, Westmont, and Pleasant Hill.
