2024 COHORT
First Lutheran Church of Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska
First Lutheran Church of Ketchikan has always stood out in the community, from its earliest days as a beacon for mariners, to the present day in which its congregation reaches across boundaries to serve those in need.
First Lutheran Church of Ketchikan Photo by Rosie Roppel
First Lutheran Church of Ketchikan Photo by Rosie Roppel
2024 Cohort
First Lutheran Church of Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska
First Lutheran Church of Ketchikan has always stood out in the community, from its earliest days as a beacon for mariners, to the present day in which its congregation reaches across boundaries to serve those in need.
First Lutheran was founded in 1923 as a Seamen’s Center, a place for itinerant fishermen. The National Register-designated Gothic Revival building was constructed in 1930 and houses one of the few pipe organs in Alaska. It has served as a landmark for mariners and commercial fishermen, Merchant Mariners during World War II, and cruise vessels.
Today First Lutheran continues its service to the community through partnerships and collaborations including the Ketchikan Chamber Orchestra, which practices and performs in the church sanctuary. A weekly Men’s Breakfast is open to people of all faiths. The congregation supports Love in Action, a nonprofit organization that assists people with housing and living essentials, and provides meeting space for recovery groups, Girl Scouts, counseling, and more.
A National Fund grant of $175,000 with $175,000 in matching funds raised by the congregation will support critical exterior repairs to the roof, steeple, and siding, ensuring that the building is watertight.
First Lutheran Church of Ketchikan Photo by Rosie Roppel
Spotlighting Women’s History at Historic Houses of Worship
Religious institutions have served both as a platform for the advancement of women’s rights and opportunities, and women have played critical roles in advancing religious traditions. The leadership and community building opportunities within these sacred sites have been critical to increasing female independence outside of the home and allowing women to develop institutions that strengthen their congregations and broader communities. The four historic houses of worship highlighted embody positive examples of how the histories of women and religion are inherently linked.
First Church in Oberlin
Stories and Media Coverage
Read more about how the National Fund for Sacred Places is helping congregations around the country rehabilitate their sacred places.
Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church by Luis P. Gutierrez