One of the city’s oldest buildings has finally been recognized as a Yukon Historic Site.
The Old Log Church and Rectory, located at the corner of Elliott Street and Third Avenue, had its status approved yesterday.
Minister of Tourism and Culture Mike Nixon made the announcement, calling the buildings “important Whitehorse landmarks.”
Built in 1900, the buildings are intimately linked to the early development of the city.
At the turn of the 20th century, Anglican missionary William Carpenter Bompas was concerned with the lack of a place to worship in the community.
He enlisted the help of Reverend R. J. Bowen, a trained carpenter who had previously built log churches in Dawson City and Forty Mile, to rectify the situation.
Over the years, both buildings have seen their foundations and roofs replaced, but the logs have aged well.
Last summer, the Yukon Church Heritage Society board began the process to have the buildings designated as historic sites.
The site is now legally designated under the Historic Resources Act.
The City of Whitehorse has also designated the Old Log Church and Rectory as a municipal historic site.