Richville in Tuscola County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Bavarian Colony of Frankenhilf
Photographed by Joel Seewald, February 22, 2017
1. The Bavarian Colony of Frankenhilf Marker
One of four Bavarian settlements in the Saginaw Valley was founded here in June 1850, with the arrival of two families and a pastor. Frankenhilf, which means "Help of the Franconians" remained the community name until it later was changed to Richville. The first home was built with a special large room which was dedicated August 17, 1850, and served as the first site for worship services. The home was located in the northwest corner of the site that is now the church cemetery. Having grown to 21 families, the parish erected a 36x25 log church and dedicated it on St. Michael and All Angels Sunday 1853. It's location is marked by a stone in the church cemetery. At this time the church name, St. Michael's, was adopted. By 1875, the community had grown to 35 families and a 75x40 frame church was erected and dedicated on St. Michael and All Angels Sunday of that year. This monument marks the location of this church which served the parish for 96 years. It was razed in 1971. The third St. Michael's church was occupied March 21, 1971 and was formally dedicated on St. Michael and All Angels Sunday September 26, 1971.
The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
This memorial was erected by a grateful congregation to mark the site of Saint Michael's second church which served to the glory of God and upbuilding
this page online
"Remember the days of old." Deuteronomy 32:7
Erected by St. Michael's Lutheran Church.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is March 21, 1971.
Location. 43° 24.527′ N, 83° 40.768′ W. Marker is in Richville, Michigan, in Tuscola County. It is at the intersection of South Van Buren Road and Sanilac Road (Route 46), on the right on South Van Buren Road. Marker is also 0.1 mile south of West Saginaw Road (Route 15). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3455 South Van Buren Road, Richville MI 48758, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Michigans Thumb. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Frankenhilf (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the First Church in Richville (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (approx. 3.3 miles away); G.A.R. Veterans Memorial (approx. 3.3 miles away); Bethel Lutheran Church and Cemetery (approx. 4.9 miles away); Vassar's Logging Era (approx. 5.6 miles away); Safe in Our Father's Arms (approx. 6 miles away); Frankenmuth Education (approx. 6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richville.
Also see . . . Frankenhilf History
Photographed by Joel Seewald, February 22, 2017
2. The Bavarian Colony of Frankenhilf Marker
Photographed by Joel Seewald, February 22, 2017
3. The Third St. Michael's Lutheran Church Building
View from the parking lot.
Photographed by Kevin W., June 5, 2024
4. The Third St. Michael's Lutheran Church Building
View of the current church from across Sanilac Road.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,216 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 25, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 4. submitted on June 5, 2024, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
