St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church began its mission work in Fairbanks in 1904. The log church was founded by Bishop Peter Trimble Rowe of the mission at Circle City and opened August 15, 1905, with Archdeacon Hudson Stuck presid­ing at the service for 40 parishioners. When the original church burned in February 1947, only the hand-carved lectern, the altar rail, and the original bell were saved. The new log church was built in the same pattern as the original structure in 1948. The stained glass behind the altar depicts Alaska Native people in biblical scenes. The original bell, inscribed with “Oh ye Frost and Cold, Bless the Lord,” still tolls each Sunday.