Sitka in Sitka Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
Sitka Lutheran Church
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 1, 2021
1. Sitka Lutheran Church Marker
On this site was built the first Protestant church in Alaska. It was founded in 1840 when Governor Etholιn brought Rev. Uno Cygnaeus from Finland to establish a Lutheran congregation. The Russian-U.S. transfer agreement of 1867 specifically deeded this site to members of the Lutheran church for their use forever.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.
Location. 57° 2.989′ N, 135° 20.132′ W. Marker is in Sitka, Alaska, in Sitka Borough. It is on Lincoln Street east of American Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 224 Lincoln Street, Sitka AK 99835, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Alaska, in Tlingit and Haida & Tsimshian Region. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, in the Inside Passage, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral (a few steps from this marker); St. Michael's Cathedral (within shouting distance of this marker); Sitka Woman's Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Staton's Steakhouse and Cocktail Lounge (within shouting distance of this marker); Tilson Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Forest Service House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Story of a Hill
this page online
Regarding Sitka Lutheran Church. Excerpt from the treaty formalizing Russia's sale of its Alaska territory to the United States in 1867:
It is, however, understood and agreed, that the churches which have been built in the ceded territory by the Russian Government, shall remain the property of such members of the Greek Oriental Church resident in the territory as may choose to worship therein.
Also see . . .
1. Uno cygnaeus in old sitka, Alaska. Jyvδskylδ University Museum in Jyvδskylδ, Finland website entry (Submitted on September 11, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. Sitka Lutheran Church. Wikipedia entry on the church and its history. (Submitted on September 11, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 1, 2021
2. Sitka Lutheran Church Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 493 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 11, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
