Yukon history

Yukon

Lying almost within the Arctic Circle is the little town of Dawson, the center of many gold mining operations. Scattered up and down the Klondike Valley and along the gold-bearing creeks are still some camps and the workings of men who have sought the precious metal ever since the big strike on Bonanza Creek in the hectic rush of 1898.

In and around Dawson and up and down the Yukon are native Indians and trappers. Until after World War II, these people were quite neglected as far as hearing the Gospel is concerned.

To these regions Charles O. Bowen was directed of the Lord to preach the good news concerning Jesus Christ. Some were saved, and a vigorous little Dawson Assembly was born, ministering to both natives and ‘sourdoughs.’

In June 1951, the assembly in Dawson opened a branch work among the natives, where a good Sunday school and Gospel work was carried on in a native chapel set aside for use by the Indians.

Mr. Bowen also visited the camps during the short summer season as well as the individual miner in his cabin. He also broadcast the Gospel message over the air twice a week to all who lived in this area.

Sources

• Letters of Interest, June 1952, p.12