Virginia City in Storey County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Virginia City's Oldest Church
Photographed by Matthew J Ebert, May 29, 2018
1. Virginia City's Oldest Church Marker
Part of the funds to build the First Presbyterian Church were secured through a successful mining speculation. The Trustees had received some inside information from friends on the stock market. With the money in the treasury they purchased a few shares of stock, which rose sufficiently in value. They sold out before the crash and with the proceeds built the church building at a cost of $4,700 land cost and outbuildings brought the total cost to $12,000. The building was dedicated on January 1, 1867.
Escaping the Great Conflagration of 1875, this was the only major public building left standing. The congregation threw the doors open to help burn and injury victims, and to use as a soup kitchen. The church became a temporary home for Episcopalians and Methodists as well as the District Court. Trials were held in the church. From the pulpit on April 7, 1876, Peter Larkin was sentenced to death for murder.
Pastor William Martin of the First Presbyterian Church delivered the eulogy for Julia C. Bulette, our namesake, after her death in 1867.
Erected 2017 by E Clampus Vitus, Julia C Bulette Chapter 1864.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition,
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Location. 39° 18.487′ N, 119° 39.039′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Nevada, in Storey County. It is on South C Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 196 South C Street, Virginia City NV 89440, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Reno Area. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First Presbyterian Church (here, next to this marker); Young America Engine Co. No. 2 (a few steps from this marker); Solid Granite (within shouting distance of this marker); Pelton Wheel (within shouting distance of this marker); Bonner Shaft of the Gould & Curry Mine (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); In Memory of Julia C. Bulette (about 300 feet away); Sixty-Two Building (about 300 feet away); Bob (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.
Dressler (courtesy University of Nevada, Reno Digital Collections), 1925
2. Presbyterian Church, C Street
Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2024, by Matthew J Ebert of Gerlach, NV. This page has been viewed 348 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 30, 2024, by Matthew J Ebert of Gerlach, NV. 2. submitted on June 1, 2024. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
