Breathing New Life into Heritage: The Journey of Rebuilding the William Duncan Memorial Church

In July of 2023, I found myself back in my hometown of Metlakatla, Alaska, surrounded by the familiar faces of my family and the comforting embrace of memories. Yet, amidst the warmth of homecoming, I encountered a disheartening sight: the William Duncan Memorial Church, once a beacon of community spirit and heritage, was in a state of disrepair. The dilapidated condition of the church broke my heart, igniting a resolve within me to restore it to its former glory.

Thus began my journey into uncharted territory—a restoration project of daunting magnitude, filled with countless moving parts. Despite my limited knowledge in such endeavors, I felt a deep-seated conviction that this was the right thing to do. With determination and a willingness to learn, I embarked on this mission, understanding that every significant journey begins with a single step.

The Plan Unfolds

The first step was research—understanding what it would take to breathe new life into this historic building. Through this research, a comprehensive plan began to take shape, outlining the necessary steps to restore the church to its original condition. Given the scope of the project, we set an initial timeline of five years, from 2023 to 2028, with regular updates to keep everyone in the loop on our progress.

1. Roof Replacement: The church’s roof, weathered by time and elements, was in dire need of replacement. Scheduled for the spring of 2025, the town of Metlakatla graciously offered to donate both materials and manpower for this crucial task.
2. Interior Repairs: Next on the agenda were the interior repairs—addressing mitigation, cleanup, and necessary restorations to the church’s once-beautiful interior.
3. Heating System: The outdated heating system required immediate attention. Plans were made not only to get it up and running again but also to eventually replace it with a more efficient system.
4. Restroom Updates: Modernizing the men’s and women’s restrooms was another essential component of the project, ensuring they met contemporary standards of comfort and accessibility.
5. Elevator Installation: Considering the possibility of installing an elevator to link the main floor with the basement was an exciting prospect, aiming to enhance the building’s accessibility for all.

The Challenge of Fundraising

A project of this scale required substantial funding, and fundraising became a critical aspect of our efforts. I initiated communications and began the application process with two organizations interested in supporting our cause. Their potential involvement brought hope and momentum to our mission.

A Community United

Though the restoration of the William Duncan Memorial Church presented significant challenges, the journey was marked by a profound sense of community and shared purpose. The people of Metlakatla rallied together, contributing their time, skills, and resources to breathe new life into a cherished landmark.

As the project continues to move forward, I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and dedication of everyone involved. This endeavor, born from a moment of heartbreak, has transformed into a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of Metlakatla.

Keeping Everyone Updated

Throughout this five-year project, we commit to providing regular updates to keep everyone in the loop on our progress. This way, our community remains informed and engaged as we journey together toward the restoration of our beloved church.