St. Michael Lutheran Church
St. Michael Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod located in Richville (formerly Frankenhilf), Michigan. After Pastor Loehe of Bavaria and his mission/colonization society had established Frankenmuth, Frankenlust, and Frankentrost in the 1840s he made plans for one final colony. Since it was to be a home for poor German peasants and its success depended on the blessing of God it was called Franken-hilf (help), for God was the Helper of these poor Franconians from Bavaria. After arriving in Michigan in 1850, most of the group split off and settled in Detroit and other settlements where they thought the going would be easier. Only two families and their pastor actually arrived at Frankenhilf. But the following year, counted as the actual year of the founding of the colony and first worship services, more families arrived from Germany and the colony grew. Two years later came the split between Pastor Loehe and C.F.W. Walther, in St. Louis, and the Franken colonies remained with the new Missouri Synod. The first log cabin church was built and dedicated on September 29, the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, 1853, and so the congregation took the name St. Michael Lutheran Church. Since that time the congregation has grown to almost 1600 members, continues to operate its own school and child care, and continues to rely on God's Help as we serve Him. Our mission is that with God's Help we will:
A -- be Active in service
N-- Nurture our faith
G-- Give Glory to God
E-- Encourage each other
L-- Lead others to Jesus
|
