The Oldest Building In Anchorage Is Being Restored To Preserve Its Fascinating History
By Megan McDonald|Published November 06, 2023
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Megan McDonald
Author
Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world.
St. Nicholas Church, an emblematic structure and the oldest building in Anchorage, is undergoing a significant restoration to conserve its rich heritage. This Russian Orthodox church, brimming with relics from an era when Romanov czars ruled and the Christian faith was heavily adorned with icons, oil paintings, and incense burners, is a testament to Russia’s long history in Alaska.
Nestled within the Alaska Native village of Eklutna, the church is a spiritual haven as well as a cultural junction for the Dena’ina Athabascan tribe.
The restoration, started in October, is a three-year project funded by a $350,000 grant from the National Park Service, reflecting a renewed interest in this historic site.
For the local tribe, it's a journey toward reconnecting with their lineage. "With the rebirth of the old St. Nicholas Church, it will nourish our spirits and our souls,” expressed Charlene Shaginaw, whose grandfather was the last traditional chief in Eklutna.
The church's origins trace back to the Russian mission to colonize Alaska, initiated by Peter the Great. Russian explorers, seeking new territory, sparked settlements and trade, particularly in fur.
Over time, the Russian influence permeated Alaska, leaving behind architectural legacies and impacting local cultures and languages. Today, approximately 50,000 Alaskans practice the Orthodox faith, and many Natives carry Russian surnames from historical intermarriages.
Aaron Leggett, president of the Native Village of Eklutna’s tribal council, emphasizes the tribe's commitment to the church's upkeep.
Despite the dwindling number of Russian Orthodox followers, it remains an integral part of their heritage.
The Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska boasts about 80 historic churches, many of which need preservation. Among these, St. Nicholas Church stands out for its unique burial traditions that merge Orthodox and Athabascan customs. The church, possibly older than documents suggest, moved with its congregation in the late 19th century to avoid the influx of trappers and miners.
Once a hub of community activity, the church now sees fewer worshippers but remains a vibrant tourist spot. Its historical significance is further highlighted by its collection of religious artifacts, including those donated by the Russian Imperial Mission Society.
The restoration aims to revive the church's 1920s glory, ensuring that its sacred function is honored alongside its role as a historical and educational site. "Its primary function is sacred, and that’s important to all of us, even those of us that are not Russian Orthodox,” stated historic architect Jobe Bernier.
In preserving St. Nicholas Church, Anchorage not only safeguards a physical structure but also honors a complex tapestry of history, culture, and faith intertwined with Alaska's very essence.
Did you know that this church was the oldest building in Anchorage? What do you think of the restoration? Let us know in the comments below!
