Sts. Sergius and Herman of Valaam Church explained

Sts. Sergius and Herman of Valaam Church
Location:Nicholas Street, Nanwalek, Alaska
Coordinates:59.3563°N -151.9217°W
Built:c. 1930
Added:June 6, 1980
Area:less than one acre
Refnum:80004587
Designated Other1:Alaska Heritage Resources Survey
Designated Other1 Name:Alaska Heritage Resources Survey
Designated Other1 Date:May 18, 1973
Designated Other1 Color:
  1. A8EDEF
Designated Other1 Abbr:AHRS
Designated Other1 Number:SEL-018
Designated Other1 Num Position:bottom

Sts. Sergius and Herman of Valaam Church is a historic Russian Orthodox church in Nanwalek, Alaska. It is named for the Saints Sergius and Herman of Valaam. Now it is under Diocese of Alaska of the Orthodox Church in America.[1]

The settlement (first known as Alexandrovsk, and later as English Bay) was established during 1784-86 but its first church building was not built until about 1870. The current church building was built in about 1930 or before, and has been described as "a study in economical use of existing materials" and as having "no architectural distinction". It consists of two small rectangular buildings joined together; the nave section was possibly once a dance hall and the altar section was possibly once part of a local store. It is argued nonetheless that the building "is an unusual example of adaptive use, and retains the integrity of its use over the past half century as the community R.O. church."[2] [3]

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Parishes - SS. Sergius/Herman of Valaam Church.
  2. Web site: [{{NRHP url|id=64000002}} National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Russian Orthodox Church Buildings and Sites Thematic Resources ]. Alfred Mongin and Father Joseph P. Kreta . June 14, 1979 . National Park Service.
  3. Web site: [{{NRHP url|id=80004581}} Saints Sergius and Herman of Valaam Church (AHRS SITE NO. SEL-018) ]. Alfred Mongin and Father Joseph P. Kreta . June 14, 1979 . National Park Service. (continuation sheet from thematic resources document) and from listing 80004581