Although originally intended to be a log church, the Chapel, constructed of Shrine-site beach stone, was built in the late 1930’s.  Fr. William LeVasseur, S.J., a man who held on to the vision and followed through on establishing a Shrine occupying an entire island, celebrated the inaugural Chapel Mass on the Feast of Christ the King, October 26, 1941.

Bishop Joseph Raphael Crimont, S.J., the first bishop of Alaska, gave his consent and blessing to the establishment of the Shrine of St. Therese.  As a lasting memorial, following his death in 1945, Bishop Crimont was buried in a crypt under the Chapel altar area.  In May of 1988, after nearly 50 years without a bell, one was installed in the tower and named “Raphael”, (Bishop Crimont’s middle name), which means “God Heals”.

The Chapel is open daily, and people are invited to enter this holy place and experience the peaceful presence of God.