Michigan became a state in 1837. As a part of the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803, the majority of our area was covered with tall trees.The logging industry came first and after the trees were cut down and the land cleared of stumps, there was rich farm land available. Pioneers were moving west. Many had come from Europe and were interested in obtaining farm land at a reasonable price.
The Lutherans living in Bavaria, Germany wanted to send missionaries to the Midwest to the Native Americans. The Saginaw Valley was home to the Chippewa Tribe. The mission began in Frankenmuth in the 1840s (the Mission School still stands south of St. Lorenz as part of their museum area).
St. Lorenz started three missions to enable other German Lutherans to worship closer to their homes. The three missions were Immanuel, Frankentrost (Holland Road), St. Michaels, Frankenhilf (Richville) and St. Paul, Frankenlust (Bay City). The Pastor from St Paul, Bay City traveled down the edge of the Saginaw River to preach to the German Lutherans each Sunday afternoon.Holy Cross was founded on January 29, 1849. In the very early years, controversy among the members caused 2 groups to leave. In 1851, one group went up Court Street and started St. Pauls. They are not members of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Synod). The second group left in 1852 and moved across the Saginaw River to Second and Federal and founded St. John; they are members of ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America). These 2 churches became the leaders and the founders of other congregations in their Synods. As years passed, Holy Cross began these churches:
- Trinity, Ninth & Cherry, 1885
- Bethlehem, Hermansau, 1915
- Redeemer, Lamson, 1930
- Peace, Adams & Mackinaw, 1940
- Faith, Williamson (Bridgeport), 1947
- Good Shepherd, Brockway, 1954
7. Messiah, North Michigan (Carrollton), 1966
With each of these daughter congregations, many faithful members and financial assistance came from Holy Cross. Holy Cross is the “Mother Church” of all the Lutheran Churches in our Saginaw area. In the coming months, we will provide some information about these 7 congregations. We will learn of growth, concerns and present operations. “Following His Cross for 160 Years.”
