About

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 of 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.

Board Members

The Old Log Church Museum is a not-for-profit organization governed by the Yukon Church Heritage Society. The Board of Directors consists of a group of dedicated volunteers who work to ensure the preservation and operation of the Old Log Church Museum.

Linda ThistlePresident

Claire McDowellVice President

Len BeecroftTreasurer

Suzanne BlackjackSecretary

Tara McDowellDirector

Ellen JohnsonDirector

Cathy HinesDirector

Staff

Christine De BrabandereDirector/Curator

The Director/Curator handles the day-to-day operations of the museum. They can be contacted year-round by email at oldlogchurchmuseum@gmail.com or by phone at 867-668-2555. Office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Our History

1900

When Yukon’s first Anglican Bishop, William Bompas, considered the brand new and growing frontier town of White Horse, he realized that it was missing a place of worship. So he asked the Reverend Richard Bowen to do something about it. In 1900, Reverend Bowen 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.

1940

In the 1940s, it provided a place of worship for the army personnel who were stationed here while building the Alaska Highway.

1953

In 1953, it became the diocesan cathedral.

1960

In 1960, it ceased being the cathedral when the new building, which shares the grounds, was opened.

1962

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.

1982

In 1982, the Yukon Church Heritage Society was formed to restore and preserve the building and operate the Old Log Church Museum. Since that time, the society has continued the upkeep and maintenance of this historic building.

2014

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. The City of Whitehorse also designated the Old Log Church and Rectory as municipal historic sites.