Elijah Rehearsals

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The village was incorporated in 1900, just three years after the church began its work and became the first church to function in Ketchikan. The main street of the city is Mission Street, named for the presence of the mission.

When the Episcopal Church started its work in 1897, Ketchikan was an indian community of a few families, with only one white man in residence, a trader. That year, Dr. Campbell, a priest of the Episcopal Church, began holding services in Ketchikan. Although he was able to make regular visitations from his church in Douglas, 300 miles to the north, there was an increasing need for an organized church with a resident clergyman.

The Bishop during this era, Peter Trimble Rowe, described how the Episcopal Church gained a permanent residence in the community: "The only white man in the place was a trader. He offered me two acres of his squatter's claim if I would start a school for the indian children. Though a hard man, he had a heart of sympathy for the children. I accepted, arranged for a school, and so the work began."

In 1898, Bishop Rowe sent Miss Agnes Edmonds to start a school. She was the first white female missionary, and also the first white single girl to reside permanently in Ketchikan. Miss Edmonds taught school in a cabin purchased from one of the indians of the community. She also held services in the cabin for the indians and the few white men of the settlement. In 1902, the first resident priest, Father Thomas Jenkins, was assigned to the church in Ketchikan, which had been named St. Agnes Mission.

One of the goals Fr. Jenkins was to pursue during his tenure in Ketchikan was the construction of a church building on a site adjoining the mission house. In six weeks of time he raised $850 locally and then relied on help of supporters on the outside. The church was built almost entirely by the volunteer labor of Ketchikan's early carpenters and contractors, with Arthur Knight acting as foreman. The altar was made by W. J. Sully. H. V. Sully directed the construction of the pews, made from a pattern designed by John Newell and Fr. Jenkins. The native red cedar in the interior was cut at the Verney Borthers sawmill in North Saxman.

The building was started April 1, 1903. The foundation was completed by June 6, the building was framed up by June 20, and enclosed by August 25 of the same year. One year from the very Sunday Fr. Jenkins conducted his first service in Ketchikan, they entered the new church.

In the early 1930s, the church building was raised and the undercroft built. St. John's experienced a bout of sluggishness during the 1940s and no clergyman served the church. The influx of military people and construction workers during World War II, however, forced life upon the parish and caused agitation for a minister.

In 1947, it was discovered that the foundations of the church were giving way and the west wall was threatening to crumble. No local contractor could be found to undertake the repairs. Merchants had their eye on St. John's valuable downtown property and consideration was given to selling the property and relocating the church in the westend. Most felt, however, that St. John's had a ministry in the city hub and should remain in its historic spot. A new independent small contractor was found to undertake the renovation. The foundations on three sides were replaced.

The rectory behind the church was razed in the 1960s due to the widening of Dock Street.

In 1981, new siding was applied to temporarily safeguard the building and provide better insulation until a more permanent siding could be afforded. The undercroft and and kitchen were remodeled in 1983 and the rector's office was relocated to the former Arthur Yates Hospital building next door. A handsome new electronic pipe organ was purchased in 1987 to replace the former water-damaged pipe organ. Much of the cost was covered by memorial donations.

In 1995, the church was reroofed and resided with materials similar to the original ones used, thus making it more historic in appearance.

The historic origins of the school were resurrected in 1987 when St. John's Preschool was opened in the church rental building behind the Seamen's Center. Up to 45 children, ages 3-5, have been enjoying this Christian learning experience each year since.

A garden was created by Florence Turek's family in her memory on the hill at the back of the parking lot in 1993 and was dedicated in 1995. In conjunction with and next to the garden, a fenced-in play area was built for use by the preschool and church school students.

Two church events have become established as holiday favorites with many local residents, as well as the church family. The St. John's Advent-Christmas Tea in early December, features baked goods and craft items to buy along with the serving of tea and cookies and a visit from St. Nicholas. Also, the 4th of July Pie Sale, held following the traditional community parade, packs the undercroft for several hours as patrons enjoy homemade pie of their choice and ice cream.