Located in the heart of historic Virginia City, First Presbyterian Church was established in 1862. The Carpenter Gothic style church building was built in 1866 at the cost of $4,700. Later, buildings on either side of the church were purchased to provide a meeting room, pastor's apartment and a rental space. The total cost was $12,000.
In 1871 a massive fire destroyed most of Virginia City. As the only public building not destroyed by the fire, First Presbyterian Church was immediately pressed into service as a soup kitchen, makeshift hospital and District Court Room.
Mine closings in the 1890's and a resulting population shift in Virginia City caused a decline in church membership. The church managed to keep going until 1947 when it was closed. The building languished until 1954 when it narrowly escaped demolition. A campaign was begun to restore the building. Regular worship services resumed in 1959.
Mine closings in the 1890's and a resulting population shift in Virginia City caused a decline in church membership. The church managed to keep going until 1947 when it was closed. The building languished until 1954 when it narrowly escaped demolition. A campaign was begun to restore the building. Regular worship services resumed in 1959.
First Presbyterian Church is currently the oldest Presbyterian Church still in use in the State of Nevada. Today its small, but dedicated congregation serves the people Virginia City and beyond.
Virginia City, Nevada ca 1860-1865
Virginia City Fire ca 1871
