A Brief History

The Church of the Holy Trinity, built in 1896, is the second oldest of Juneau's church structures and is registered as a National Historic Landmark. Its neighbor, St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, was built four years earlier. Just as the Episcopal church is closely interwoven with the history of Alaska, so Holy Trinity has been a part of Juneau and Southeast Alaska. The story of Holy Trinity is, in great measure, the story of the remarkable people dedicated to sharing Christ's love in the world.

The Rev. George Buzzelle held the first Episcopal services in Juneau in the Presbyterian log church on Trinity Sunday, June 9, 1895. A few months later, the Rev. Dr. R. D. Nevius, a missionary from the Diocese of Olympia, came to open and take charge of a mission church. In October, 1895, the mission church was known as Trinity church.

Peter Trimble Rowe, the first Bishop of Alaska, arrived in Juneau in March 1896. He was soon to travel north for extensive visits to the congregations elsewhere in Alaska, leaving behind plans for a church, and his colleague, Henry Beer, to supervise the building's construction and serve as Holy Trinity's first Rector.

Dr. A. J. Campbell, a medical missionary and friend of Bishop Rowe, established St. Luke's Mission in the mining town of Douglas, across Gastineau Channel. St. Luke's served the people of Douglas Island until the construction of the bridge to Juneau in 1935. Not long thereafter, the two congregations were united at Holy Trinity.

In 1902, the stained glass windows and an organ were installed and on Trinity Sunday, 1903, Holy Trinity was consecrated by Bishop Rowe.

The years 1910 to 1915 were the peak years of mining activity in Juneau. During this time, Holy Trinity and its people provided spiritual sustenance and support among the people of Juneau. In 1910, Mrs. Frances C. Davis, a well known Alaskan artist, painted and donated scenes of Jesus' life that can be found in the chancel of the church near the altar. In 1916, she painted the apostles that can be seen on the front of the kneelers of the first pew.

In 1918, Holy Trinity was designated a pro-cathedral, as it was necessary for Bishop Rowe to move his offices to Seattle for a time. Charles Rice served as Dean of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity for 22 years.

Bishop Rowe, who had been a distinguished pioneer for the Church in Alaska, died in 1944. Among other memorials to Bishop Rowe is the Denali Window, now to be seen in the narthex of Holy Trinity, which was executed and donated by Jesse Van Brunt of New York.

In 1944, a resident Bishop of Alaska was installed at Fairbanks, thus the cathedral designation for Holy Trinity was discontinued.

In 1955-56, Trinity Hall and its lower level classrooms were built. After the unexpected death of the Rev. Samuel McPhetres in 1959, the parish hall was renamed in his honor.

In 1984, among the questions that had arisen were those concerning the need to better serve the people of the Mendenhall Valley and Auke Bay areas. Thus, the parish was especially blessed to have the Rt. Rev. George Masuda, retired Bishop of North Dakota, come to Juneau as Interim Rector of Holy Trinity, with regular services held at a valley location. In 1985, the valley congregation became a mission with the rector of Holy Trinity serving as its priest. The mission is now the parish of St. Brendan's

Although Holy Trinity is an historic congregation, we are a living and growing part of Christ's body on Earth, the Church, and you are welcome to come join the us in worship, study, fellowship, prayer and outreach.

The Alaska Searchlight, an early Juneau newspaper, contains a variety news stories about the efforts of starting an Episcopal church in Juneau.

Church of the Holy Trinity
325 Gold Street, Juneau, Alaska 99801
Phone: (907) 586-3532 - FAX: (907) 463-5207

Mailing address during rebuilding:
416 Harris Street Suite 205
Juneau, Alaska 99801

Copyright © 2008 Church of the Holy Trinity

Printed: Fri 9 May 1:16 pm