St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, 326 Fifth Street, Juneau, Juneau Borough, AK

Significance: The only remaining octagonal Russian Orthodox church in Alaska, this is also among the oldest. Its small size, fanciful belfry, and hillside location contribute to its picturesque appearance.
In 1890, Tlingit Chief Ishkanalykh contacted Father Dukow at Saint Michael's Cathedral in Sitka, saying that he was interested in knowing more about the Orthodox faith. Two years later Bishop Nicholas visited Juneau and baptized the chief and his wife, giving them the Christian names Dimitri and Elizaveta. Dimitri subsequently offered land, labor, and lumber to construct a church while the bishop provided $2,000.
The church as built 1893-94 of wood frame construction. The original icons for the iconostasis were donated by the Moscow Missionary Society. Written in Russia, they were installed in 1894. The picturesque bell tower was added in 1905. Saint Nicholas Church is notable as the second oldest Russian Orthodox church in Alaska, as well as the only surviving octagonal example.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N2003
Survey number: HABS AK-59
Building/structure dates: 1894 Initial Construction