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In 1899, amidst the chaos of the Klondike Gold Rush, a new minister arrived in Fort Wrangel to serve to a congregation split along racial lines. The Reverend H.P. Corser became an advocate for his Alaska Native congregation and challenged his superiors in the church. The conflict set Reverend Corser, and his congregation, on a path of exodus. (Publication Date: February 6, 2021)

History Where It Happened: The Founding of Saint Philip’s

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St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

This undated photo likely shows Reverend H.P. Corser standing in front of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. The long boardwalk is now Episcopal Street. Image source: Wikipedia.

Reverend H.P. Corser

This photo of Reverend Corser was taken later in life. I fixed the blurriness in his face using MyHeritage’s magical Photo Enhancer software.

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

In 1903, Corser and members of his Presbyterian congregation left their church, and founded The People’s Church. Several years later, it became St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. The building is still standing and is recognized on the National Registry of Historic Places.

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