The history of Westphalia, Michigan is long and rich, with the first German Catholic settlers establishing a church in the village. Emigrants from various parts of Germany, as well as Poland, Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Ireland, arrived in Westphalia between 1836 and 1885, seeking escape from political systems and religious persecution. The settlers named the settlement Westphalia in memory of their German homeland, and the thriving farming community continues to this day.
Westphalia's German Catholic parish was established soon after the settlers arrived, with Father Anton Kopp being assigned as the new German parish priest. The first church, a two-room log house, was completed in 1838 and served as the place of worship. Today, the Westphalia Historical Society and Museum preserves the village's history, showcasing exhibits from spring to early December each year.
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