Saint John's Episcopal Church, Ketchikan
Saint John鈥檚 Episcopal Church, built in 1902, holds the distinction of being the oldest church building still standing in Ketchikan. Originally constructed on pilings along the water鈥檚 edge, land reclamation has since moved the shoreline hundreds of feet away. The church鈥檚 sanctuary was completed using red cedar sourced from a local Saxman mill, showcasing the craftsmanship of both Native and settler builders. St. John鈥檚 continues to serve the community from its original site and even hosts a small gift shop, offering visitors a chance to connect with its enduring legacy.
The origins of the church date back to 1897, when a local trader approached Bishop Rowe with an offer: two acres of land from his squatter鈥檚 claim in exchange for a pledge to establish a school for Native children. That proposal laid the foundation for the Episcopal Church鈥檚 mission in Ketchikan. Dr. Campbell, a physician and priest from Douglas, Alaska, made periodic visits to support the growing congregation. By the time construction began in 1903, Tlingit and Nisga鈥檃 craftsmen joined white settlers in shaping what would become a spiritual and cultural landmark.
On the day of its opening, nearly 100 residents filled the church, eager to be part of the fledgling mission. More than a century later, St. John鈥檚 Episcopal Church remains remarkably well-preserved and beloved. With its tongue-and-groove cedar interior, historical significance, and welcoming atmosphere, the church continues to serve as a symbol of faith, community, and cooperation between cultures in Alaska鈥檚 First City.
The origins of the church date back to 1897, when a local trader approached Bishop Rowe with an offer: two acres of land from his squatter鈥檚 claim in exchange for a pledge to establish a school for Native children. That proposal laid the foundation for the Episcopal Church鈥檚 mission in Ketchikan. Dr. Campbell, a physician and priest from Douglas, Alaska, made periodic visits to support the growing congregation. By the time construction began in 1903, Tlingit and Nisga鈥檃 craftsmen joined white settlers in shaping what would become a spiritual and cultural landmark.
On the day of its opening, nearly 100 residents filled the church, eager to be part of the fledgling mission. More than a century later, St. John鈥檚 Episcopal Church remains remarkably well-preserved and beloved. With its tongue-and-groove cedar interior, historical significance, and welcoming atmosphere, the church continues to serve as a symbol of faith, community, and cooperation between cultures in Alaska鈥檚 First City.
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Saint John's Episcopal Church on Map
Sight Name: Saint John's Episcopal Church
Sight Location: Ketchikan, USA (See walking tours in Ketchikan)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ketchikan, USA (See walking tours in Ketchikan)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ketchikan, Alaska
Create Your Own Walk in Ketchikan
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ketchikan is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ketchikan Introduction Walking Tour
Ketchikan marks the start of what many still consider the last true frontier. Tucked into the southern tip of the state, it welcomes travelers sailing the Inside Passage鈥攁 winding corridor of forested islands, rugged coastline, and dramatic wilderness. It鈥檚 a place known for three things: fierce salmon runs, dramatic coastal scenery, and a deep-rooted Alaska Native heritage that continues to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles