Another aspect of the congregation’s rich history lies within easy walking distance of the church. On December 6, 1840, Pastor Cygnaeus dedicated the Lutheran Cemetery, now located at the end of the little street named Princess Way. Edvard Etholen, infant son of Governor Adolf Etholen and his wife, Margareta, is buried there along with Aglaida Bushman, Princess Maksoutoff, a Lutheran, first wife of the last Governor of Russian Alaska. Her grave is marked by the white picket fence. Within the same fence is buried Governor Johan Hampus Furuhjelm's sister, Constance.

Researchers have counted nearly sixty depressions and the current fenced area is smaller than the original site. The Historical Preservation Committee, with much work, created a significant document of historical and anecdotal evidence relating to the cemetery's history. In 1999, following negotiations with the Russian Orthodox Church in America, the congregation established clear title to its Lutheran Cemetery. Other participants in the celebration included Alaska Synod Bishop Ron Martinson, congregation members, and others from the local historical society who have been interested in and helpful to the congregation in restoring this part of their heritage.

The congregation re-dedicated the cemetery in 2000 as part of the congregation's 160th anniversary. Finnish scholar and researcher, and  friend of the congregation, Maria Enckell, who has relatives buried in the cemetery, was invited to participate in this special day and Sitka Lutheran member, Dorothy Breedlove, helped with the arrangements. On a typical rainy Sitka day we gathered for the service and  celebrated the many gifts our congregation has been given down through the 160 plus years of our ministry to and in Sitka. We are  blessed.

Link to map of downtown Sitka. The Princess's grave is No. 1 in the legend at the top of the map. This also marks the location of the Lutheran Cemetery at the end of Princess Way.

Sitka Lutheran Church  •  224 Lincoln St.  •  PO Box 598  •  Sitka AK 99835
Office phone: 907.747.3338  Office E-mail  •  Last updated: 04/02/2008

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