The Ottawan : a short history of the villages and resorts surrounding Little Traverse Bay, and the Indian legends connected therewith / J.C. Wright.

L'ARBRE CROCHE MISSION

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wild Indians, with whom I will stay, if it be the will of God, until the last
breath of my life."
He was well liked by all the Indians and held services in the little church
morning and night. He was assisted by an Indian chief, who read aloud from
an Indian prayer book. Father Baraga lived in the greatest poverty. His pastoral
residence was a rude log hut covered with bark, and when it rained he was
compelled to spread his cloak over his books and papers to keep them from getting wet, but it is said of him that he felt happier than a millionaire in his
palace. During his stay at the L'Arbre Croche mission he baptized 461 Indians.
In 1832 he printed an Ottawa prayer and hymn book. He left the mission in
1833 and afterwards labored at different -points on the upper peninsula. In 1853
he was consecrated Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie, the L'Arbre Croche Mission then
being in his diocese.
A long list of priests succeeded him at the L'Arbre Croche mission, Father
Pierz and Father Zorn each remaining a long term of years.
The old church that attracted so many tourists in later years was erected
about 1839. Many of my readers have no doubt been shown through the old