07/07/2026
Throughout July, in honor of the 250th anniversary of our nation, we will be remembering a good amount of Lutherans who made significant impacts on our history.
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The Frankenmuth, MI Settlers - St. Lorenz Lutheran Church
The history of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church is deeply intertwined with the story of Frankenmuth, Michigan, reflecting a rich legacy of faith, perseverance, and community. From its roots in the Franconian village of Neuendettelsau, Germany, to its establishment in the forests of Michigan, the journey of the St. Lorenz congregation is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders. This narrative explores the origins of the church’s name, the challenges faced by the early settlers, and the enduring impact of their mission. Through the trials of their Atlantic crossing to the establishment of a thriving community, the story of St. Lorenz is one of courage, faith, and growth, continuing to inspire its members and the broader community to this day.
St. Lorenz was named after the the famous 3rd-Century martyr, St. Lawrence (as we would spell it in English).
The early history of Frankenmuth is identical to the history of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church. Both began in the Franconian (Bavaria) village of Neuendettelsau in the mind of a humble, compassionate Lutheran pastor, Johann Konrad Wilhelm Loehe.
Frederick Wyneken, a missionary “circuit rider” in the American Midwest, had sent a heart-rending plea to the Old Country for assistance. In response, Pastor Loehe conceived the idea of a “mission colony” in 1844, calling for dedicated men and women to immigrate to the wilderness forests of Michigan. There, under the guidance of a devoted mission pastor, they would demonstrate to Native Americans and others “wie gut und schoen es ist bei Jesu sein” (“how wonderful it is to live with Jesus”).
On April 20, 1845, a group a Franconians, led by Pastor Friedrich August Craemer, embarked from the seaport of Bremen on the sailing vessel Caroline. They arrived in New York on June 8 and proceeded to their final destination – a 680-acre tract of virgin forest on the banks of the Cass River. On August 18, the women, who had been staying in Saginaw, also arrived, and the community was established.
Frankenmuth was so named by Pastor Loehe to remind the settlers of their homeland (Franconia) and the “muth” (courage) required to for the task set before them. Temporary shelter was provided by a quickly constructed “community house.” A similar structure served as a church and parsonage. Although too late in the year for planting, the land was parceled out and clearing the dense forests began. Seventy acres were dedicated to church use.
The following June, nearly 100 more immigrants arrived from the Rosstal – Gunzenhausen – Nürnberg area. The newly expanded congregation began construction of a larger, sturdier “church – school – parsonage,” which was dedicated on Christmas Day 1846.
In addition to serving his congregation, Pastor Craemer also made mission trips by canoe to area Chippewa villages. Many Chippewa children came to live in the pastor’s home, where Mrs. Craemer also instructed them in the Christian faith.
Two years after its founding, St. Lorenz became one of the 14 charter congregations of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. As the community grew, so also did St. Lorenz, with a present membership exceeding 4,000. More than 600+ children are now enrolled in their Christian School, which provides Christian education from preschool through junior high.
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Frankenmuth remains a wonderful "Lutheran Resort Land" that houses legendary chicken restaurants, old world bakeries, clock makers, cheesehouses, and the world's largest Christmas shop (the building alone is 7.35 acres)!
