The Village of Sand Beach on the shores of Lake Huron began to see its growth in the late 1800’s. The owner of the local mill announced he was expanding the business in 1862 and a year later, visitors and new businesses were welcomed through the express and passenger stage line. By September of 1880, Sand Beach became a railroad town.

After the Railroad came to town, the village grew by leaps and bounds. A Bank, Jail and a Town Hall were built. And running water for fire hydrants was pumped through Lake Huron. In just three years, residents had plans to build at least three Churches in the Village.

Our Lady of Lake Huron was one of those Churches. Originally named St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, it was changed to Our Lady of Lake Huron at the dedication ceremony in 1885. In 1912, plans were started for a new church. According to early records, the original building was damaged by a tornado in 1896, and repairs were made. And the congregation was growing. The new church was completed in 1917 and dedicated on July 13th.

With the new church built and dedicated, the parishioners turned their attention to the need for a parish school. The parish was growing rapidly with young families from Ruth and Parisville. The foundation for a new school building was laid in August of 1923 and finished in August of 1924. Four Sisters from The Immaculate Heart of Mary arrived and school started for grades 1-8 in September of 1924.

One of the accomplishments of the Our Lady of Lake Huron Parish School was the organization of a School Orchestra. Sr. Ann Lucille gave music lessons to any student or individual in the vicinity. The School Students received their music lessons during school hours. Others had evening or Saturday appointments at a cost of $1.00

The appointment of Father James Marvin as pastor of Our Lady of Lake Huron in 1938 brought the expansion of the Parish School to a full 1-12th grade curriculum. The first 9th grade class in 1938 consisted of 8 boys and 8 girls. The following year, 9th and 10th grade consisted of 30 students. That same year, the high school boys solicited the parish for funds to start a basketball program. They competed in the Thumb Tip League. The first girls basketball team was formed in 1942. The girls had a problem getting uniforms, so they sewed their own from patterns.

In September of 1941, Our Lady of Lake Huron High School included grades 9 and 10, and Junior and Senior grades. The total high school enrollment was 67. The first graduation class received their diplomas on June 14, 1942 from Bishop William Murphy of the Saginaw Diocese.

The 1960’s brought winds of change to Our Lady of Lake Huron Parish School. One was a “shared time” arrangement with Harbor Beach community High school to provide advanced academic classes for Our Lady of Lake Huron students. The second was the creation of the Our Lady of Lake Huron School Board.

After 31 years of blessed work for Catholic youth, Our Lady of Lake Huron High School was closed due to economic reasons. The last graduating class was 43 students. The last basketball game drew more than 1500 fans as the Trojans of Our Lady of Lake Huron played Carsonville.

The loss of the Parish High school has not daunted enthusiasm for a quality Catholic Education. The Grade School continues to flourish and in 1974, Our Lady of Lake Huron opened its kindergarten with 27 students.


1885 – Dedication of CHURCH as OUR LADY OF LAKE HURON
1924 – OUR LADY OF LAKE HURON Parish opened their school for grades 1-8.
1938 – OUR LADY OF LAKE HURON School added a 9th Grade Class.

1940 – OUR LADY OF LAKE HURON School added 10th and 11th Grades.
1942 – First High School Graduation Class. The Parish School is now open to Grades 1 thru 12.
1970 – Our Lady of Lake Huron closed its High School. Last high school graduation

Our Lady of Lake Huron history and photos copied from OLLH Centennial booklet and used with permission.
By Barbara Sheltraw