Old Log Rectory

Building Location: 

Third Avenue and Elliott Street

Whitehorse, YT

Location Context: 

Refer to the Old Log Church

Description: 

Two-storey Log Residence

Architectural History: 

The building is a two-storey log structure which includes a basement and a gable roof with small dormer. 

Additions in 1929 included foundation repairs and the installation of a wood furnace. Other sections are a large two-storey log addition to rear and a small one-storey hipped roof addition to Northwest corner. In 1962 it was renovated and apartments were added in 1983.

Cultural History: 

The log rectory was completed shortly after the log church was built in 1901. Until its completion, a loft in the log church was used as the rectory. 

The building was originally a square two-storey house, but several alterations have been made over the years. During I.O. Stringer’s term, an addition was made to the back to use as an Indian day school. 

The rectory was used until 1960 when services moved into the newly-built cathedral, and the log church and rectory were retired. 

In 1982, the rectory was converted to apartments on both the first and second floors and a meeting area on the ground floor. The apartments were to be used by lay people and/or clergy.

Biographical Information: 

Rev. R.J. Bowen: first Rector of Christ Church. 

  • came to Yukon 1895, married Miss Mellet, missionary teacher
  • left Yukon, but returned and built church and rectory before leaving territory because of ill health 

Hilda Hellaby: deaconess of Anglican Church 1951-1983

  • humanitarian in Vancouver before coming to Yukon in 1951
  • first Anglican woman in Canada to earn a theology degree
  • Hellaby hall named after her