Father Gabriel Richard was one of the greatest educators in Michigan. He took a deep interest in various constructive ways to help his community. He was born in France on October 15th 1767. He came to Detroit in June of 1798, a fugitive from the anticlerical policy of the French Revolution. In 1802, he took charge of St. Anne's Catholic parish in Detroit. He went above and beyond his duties as priest. He supervised the Indian missions and instigated several plans to train Indian children.

After the Great Fire of 1805 in Detroit, he fed and clothed the homeless townspeople staying in St. Anne's churchyard. His accomplishments had far reaching effects for all of Michigan. In 1809, he started Michigan's first newspaper and on December 8, 1824 Gabriel Richard was the delegate from Michigan for the opening of the first session of the 18th Congress. He served for only one term, the only Catholic priest ever to sit in the House of Representatives.

What Gabriel Richard is most famous for though, is his dedication to education. By 1805, he had already established half a dozen schools. He began training young women as teachers which was said to be the first teacher training in Michigan. Richard looked at children for what they were: children who had to be led from one stage of education to another, naturally, and carefully. He helped push for "An act to establish the Catholepistemaid or University of Michigania" written by Judge Woodward. Richard was one of the original teachers at the University of Michigan after it was completed in 1818. Of the original 13 professorships, 6 were given to Richard and he later was appointed Vice President until 1821.

Father Gabriel Richard was committed to his faith and his community. Because of him, Michigan education was able to grow and flourish. He supported his parishioners and students at the same time he was teaching them.

Because of his dedication to education along with accomplishments of Reverend John D. Pierce and Samuel M. Brownell, I have been able to attend the best schools in this country. I feel truly fortunate to be a student of the Grosse Pointe School System which has such a long and rich history.