Sts. Sergius and Herman of Valaam Church

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.[3]

Sts. Sergius and Herman of Valaam Church
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Alaska Heritage Resources Survey
Location	Nicholas Street, Nanwalek, Alaska
Coordinates	59°21′22.8″N 151°55′18″W
Area	less than one acre
Built	c. 1930
MPS	Russian Orthodox Church Buildings and Sites TR
NRHP reference No.	80004587[1][lower-alpha 1]
AHRS No.	SEL-018
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	June 6, 1980
Designated AHRS	May 18, 1973

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."[4][2]

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.[1][lower-alpha 1]

See also

• Sts. Sergius and Herman of Valaam Chapel, in Ouzinkie, Alaska, also NRHP-listed
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska

References

1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
2. Alfred Mongin and Father Joseph P. Kreta (June 14, 1979). "Saints Sergius and Herman of Valaam Church (AHRS SITE NO. SEL-018)". National Park Service. (continuation sheet from thematic resources document) and accompanying photo from c.1976 from listing 80004581
3. https://oca.org/parishes/oca-ak-egcssh
4. Alfred Mongin and Father Joseph P. Kreta (June 14, 1979). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Russian Orthodox Church Buildings and Sites Thematic Resources". National Park Service.

Notes

1. There's an error in NRHP listing for this building. Listing 80004587 attached form and pictures refer to Sts. Sergius and Herman of Valaam Chapel in Ouzinkie. The correct form and pictures for this building are attached to listing 80004581.[2]