St. Luke's - Pangnirtung, Nunavut

Pangnirtung "the place of the bull caribou" is located on the narrow coastal plain against a spectacular backdrop of high mountains and a winding river valley.

Population:     1,243   (Inuit 93% - non Inuit 7%) (source 1996 Census of Canada)

Legend says a hunter named Atagooyuk gave the place its name well over 100 years ago when caribou had not yet changed their patterns as a result of the incursions of man.

St. Luke's Anglican Church in Pangnirtung was established by Rev. B. Jenkins in 1925 for the Bible Churchman's Missionary Society, England. The mission house was built in 1926 and an extension was added in 1933. St. Luke's Hospital opened in 1930 was enlarged in 1939, 1955, and 1957 and in 1972 became the Arthur Turner Training School.

The current incumbent is Rev. Loie Mike. Loie is assisted by Deacon Abraham Arnaqaq (a recent graduate of ATTS) and by Rev. Jeanny Joanasie.



The Rectors of Pangnirtung  

Rev. H.A. Turner                        1928 to 1931
Rev. J.M. Turner                        1931 to 1932
Rev. H.A. Turner                        1932 to 1936
Rev. Arnold C. Herbert          1936 to 1940
Rev. H.A. Turner                        1940 to 1947
Rev. H.A. Turner                        1948 - Died April 21st 1953
Rev. B.P. Smyth                 1953 to 1956
Rev. W.A. Graham                        1956 to 1961
Rev. S. Wilkensen                       1961 to 1964
Rev. John R. Marlow             1964 to 1968
Rev. D. Whitbread                       1968 to 1970
Rev. Michael G. Gardener                1970 to 1981
Rev. Eliyah Keenainak           1981 to 1984
Rev. Benjamin Arreak            1985 to 1996
Rev. Joshua Arreak                      1996 to 1997
Rev. Roy Bowkett                        1997 to 2002
Rev. Darren McCartney           2002 to August 2006
Rev. Loie Mike                  2007 to