Tradition holds that Saint Robert Parish had its origin in 1854 in an Irish settlement west of Flushing. No one kept records of the earliest years, but it is known that priests from Saint Michael Church in Flint journeyed through the village of Flushing in the 1850’s to offer Mass in pioneers’ homes. The first church was built around 1875 on a plot of land donated by Henry McCartney. A small frame building was erected by parishioners on the corner of what is today M-13 and Coldwater Road. The name was chosen to honor the Rev. Robert W. Haire, pastor of Saint Michael Church before he left Michigan with a “colony” of Catholics intent on settling in the Dakota Territory.

The desire for a parish school was discussed for many years. When Rev. Charles E. Jacobs arrived at St. Robert as pastor, he embraced this desire the parishioners of St. Robert had for a school. Ground was broken for the school building on January 4, 1954. In the fall of that year, Saint Robert School opened its doors for the first time. About 200 children, their teachers and parents, and parishioners attended Mass that first day in celebration!
It was September 8th, the feast of the Nativity of Mary, and after Mass the children sweetly sang “Happy Birthday, Dear Mary”.

Sisters of Charity from Cincinnati came to teach, with Sister Angelica as the first principal. Lay teachers were Mrs. Ann McPhillips and Mrs. Joseph Vertacnik. Since then administrators have been Sr. Rose Maureen, Sr. Josetta, Sr. Patricia Ann Dempsey, and Sr. Rose Martin Morand, Dennis Coe, Bill Haley, Michael Cooney, Brian Boudreau, Bob Milne, Susan Sharp. Matt Ralbusky, and our current principal, Sarah Bushey.

While there were improvements and minor additions to the original school, the large two-story south addition opened in 2004. This addition was built to meet the educational needs of the 21st century. As we continue to welcome children, parents, and staff members into these special hallways, we are grateful to be able to provide excellent Catholic education for those in our community!