Construction of this first church in the village was begun in the spring of 1878 and was ready for use by January 1879.

The central figure was the Rev. John Lundy of Philadelphia, eminent author and priest, who spent the winter of 1877-78 in Saranac Lake because of ill health. Dr. Lundy conducted Sunday services throughout the winter, first at his cottage and later at the Berkeley Hotel, a boarding house run by Charles Gray. The congregation consisted of Dr. and Mrs. Trudeau, Mrs. Tytus, The Misses Hoffman, Mrs. Townsend, Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Lundy and Mrs. Landruth. Others joined the group and by May the congregation varied from 50 to 90 persons. A choir was organized and with the assistance of Mrs. Morris, who played the melodian, the congregation quickly learned the chants which they enjoyed singing.

Early in January Mr. Gray announced to his guests in the dining room that the villagers were enthusiastic about building an Episcopal Church and had subscribed several hundred dollars. Those present immediately promised $100 each and as much more as they could secure. This interest resulted in a permanent church organization that was formed on the 28th of January 1878. At that meeting Dr. Lundy had received approval from the Bishop, for a mission church. Miss Virginia Hoffman suggested the name of the church. Dr. Trudeau was named chairman of the building committee that consisted of the original group, listed above. The church was to have a seating capacity of 300 and the estimated cost was $3,000. Generous subscriptions were made by visitors from the surrounding area and the inspired residents of Saranac Lake contributed freely of money, labor and material.

The plans were prepared and presented as a contribution by Mr. R. N. Upjohn, a well-known N.Y. Church architect and the leading local contractor Mr. R. Eugene Woodruff supervised the construction. The lot was chosen and donated by Miss Arvilia E. Blood, a resident of the village. On March 11, six men set to work quarrying and hauling stone for the foundation of the church.

Dr. E.L. Trudeau always remained closely identified with the parish, serving as the first church treasurer, and filling the office of Warden until his death nearly 33 years later. Equally interested was Mrs. Trudeau in helping to advance the work. Two-of their sons were vestrymen and grandson Dr. Francis B. Trudeau has been active as Warden and vestryman. Dr. E.L. Trudeau's daughter-in-law, Mrs. Francis B. Trudeau, Sr., is a devoted member of the church of St. Luke.

Although the first service was held in January 1879, the consecration of the church by the bishop of the Diocese, the Rt. Rev. William Crosswell Doane, did not take place until July 10 of that year.

The Consecration service was solemn and impressive, of the 14 confirmed, nearly all had received ordinance of baptism since the forming of the mission.

At this service the church was filled at 11 A.M. when the procession of clergy headed by the bishop, entered the church and passed up the aisle, the Bishop chanting in his clear mellow voice, alternately with the choir, the 24th Psalm "The Earth is the Lord's and all that therein is."

The clergymen present were the Rev. John Lundy; Rev. Rev. H.M. Smythe, Plattsburgh; Rev. Wm. Bull, Keeseville; Rev. Wm. Woodbridge Port Henry; Rev. C.A. Bragdon, Ausable Forks; and Rev. Charles S. Knapp of St. Luke's. He was missionary also to parishes of St. Regis Falls and Bloomingdale.

All took part in the service. As soon as the procession reached the chancel the Instrument of donation of the church was presented to the Bishop by VanBuren Miller and read. The consecration service immediately followed and the sentence of consecration was pronounced and placed upon the Altar. This was succeeded by the Bishop's sermon. About 50 partook of the Holy Communion.

 Among the gifts to the church are the three chancel windows, representing Faith, Hope and Charity, given by Mrs. Townsend and the Rose window was presented by Miss Patton. The original Altar and priest's chair were the gift of Mrs. Thomas Smith; the Bishop’s chair by Dr. and Mrs. Lundy, the Communion linen by Miss Mary King and the font by Mrs. Ogden Hoffman. The bell was given by Mrs. Edgar and the first reading Bible was the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Davis who were the first couple to be married in the parish. The pulpit was presented by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur D. Moir. Mr. Moir was the first Jr. Warden, a position he held for many years. The litany Prayer desk was given by Mrs. Jessie Warren and the Lectern was the gift of Dr. and Mrs. Trudeau. The Processional Cross by Mrs. Larom and Miss Nash; the "BoySinger" tablet and the cloister by Mrs. Belle -Brown, and the Communion rail by Mrs. Wm. W. Ely. The credence table was the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Reamer and the first cross now on the Altar in the chapel was given by Mrs. A. B. Carpenter. The reredos curtains by Miss Gravenstein, Brass rods by Mrs. John Monroe; brass candlesticks by Miss Miss Ann Nash; brass vases by Mrs. Walter H. Larom. A second bible was given by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gay and the church pews by Mrs. Babbitt-Hyde. Prayer books and Hymnals were the gift of Charles Stickney and the landscaping by Eddy Whitby. The first little cottage organ was presented by the you people at a later date.