March 2, 1824

Father Gabriel Richard spoke to Congress.

In his only recorded speech as territorial representative to Congress, Father Gabriel Richard asked for $1,500 to build a road from Detroit to Chicago. His appeal was so eloquent that Congress doubled the amount. Born in France, Richard served as pastor of Detroit’s Ste. Anne Church and spent one term as Michigan’s non-voting territorial representative. Until the election of Father Robert Drinan from Massachusetts in 1970, Richard was the only priest to serve in Congress.

Thank you Michigan Start Pages for this glimpse into our past.  See more here.