HISTORY & MISSION
When Yukon’s first Anglican Bishop, William Bompas, considered the brand new and growing frontier town of White Horse, he saw that something was missing. So he asked the Reverend Richard Bowen to do something about it. In 1900, the good Reverand supplied the missing place of worship by having a log church and rectory built. Bompas and Bowen are long gone but the Old Log Church is still with us today, one of the oldest buildings in Whitehorse on its original site.
Over the years, this quaint log structure has served as the center of worship in Whitehorse and as a social gathering place for community members and visitors alike.
In the 1940’s, it provided a place of worship for the army personnel who were stationed here while building the Alaska Highway.
In 1953 it became the diocesan cathedral.
In 1960, it ceased being the cathedral when the new building, which shares the grounds, was opened.
In 1962, the Old Log Church became a museum.
In the 1980’s, it was also known as St. Simons and attended by a First Nations congregation.
In 1982, the Yukon Church Heritage Society was formed to restore and preserve the building and operate the Old Log Church Museum.
In 2014 the Old Log Church and Rectory were officially designated as a historic site. The site is now legally designated under the territorial Historic Resources Act. In that year, the City of Whitehorse also designated the Old Log Church and Rectory as Municipal Historic Sites.
The Old Log Church is a place of heart, soul and passion. Here you will uncover fascinating stories and hidden treasures of Yukon’s early pioneers and missionaries.
In this place, you will discover the passion, conviction and determination of the men and women who helped shape Yukon’s history.
Our Mission: The Old Log Church Museum fosters appreciation 0f the complex and evolving relationships between the Anglican Church, First Nations, early settlers and today’s residents to better understand the nature of Yukon society.
Our Vision: The Old Log Church Museum is the historic heart of Whitehorse, an intimate community gathering space.
The Yukon Church Heritage Society Mandate: The Old Log Church Museum collects, preserves, researches, exhibits, and interprets the historic Old Log Church building, artifacts and archives related to the history of the Anglican Church in the Yukon.
GIFT SHOP
The Old Log Church Museum Gift Shop contains something for everyone. We sell interesting and locally crafted items, historical books, artwork and Old Fashioned Toys. Visit us at Christmas time for our annual Old Fashioned Christmas Sale featuring vintage look ornaments and unique gift items.
SUPPORT
Become a member or make a donation to support the work of the Old Log Church Museum.
The museum is run by a not-for-profit society and charitable receipts can be issued for donations. All proceeds from donations go into preserving the building and the museum’s collection. Without our supporters this building would not be standing today!
Members enjoy many benefits including free admission to the museum, 10% off at our gift shop and a copy of our annual newsletter.
Best of all, you show your support for the museum and the work that we do.
CONTACT US
Mailing Address
PO Box 31461
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 6K8
Phone
867-668-2555
