Virginia City in Storey County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The Pioneer Church

Photographed By Denise Boose, September 30, 2014

1. The Pioneer Church Marker

Inscription. The first religious service in Nevada, officiated by a visiting Protestant Episcopal Reverend, was held in Virginia City's U.S. Courthouse on Sept. 11, 1861. A Parish was organized as St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal. In the following year the Rev. Franklin S. Rising became St. Paul's first Pastor and missionary, also holding services in Gold Hill and Silver City. A $30,000.00 church was built and the first service was held on Feb. 22, 1863. It was destroyed in the great fire of 1875 and rebuilt the following year on the original site.

The gothic style St. Paul's Episcopal Church's interior is adorned with hand-hewn pine beams and sugar pine planking from Lake Tahoe. The pipe organ, the oldest in Nevada, cost $3,000.00 and came around the "Horn". St. Paul's Parish, founded in 1861 is still active and holds Sunday services year round.

Erected 2014 by Julia C. Bulette Chapter 1864 E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1908.

Location. 39° 18.551′ N, 119° 38.876′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Nevada, in Storey County. Marker is on South F Street, on the left when

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traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 87 South F Street, Virginia City NV 89440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Mary's in the Mountains (within shouting distance of this marker); Bonner Shaft of the Gould & Curry Mine (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); African Americans and the Boston Saloon (about 500 feet away); In Memory of Julia C. Bulette (about 500 feet away); St. Mary Louise Hospital (about 600 feet away); The Nevada Bank of San Francisco (about 600 feet away); Col. Morris Pinschower Building (about 600 feet away); The Great Fire of 1875 (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

Photographed By Denise Boose, September 30, 2014

2. The Pioneer Church Marker

Photographed By Denise Boose, September 30, 2014

3. The Pioneer Church Marker

The Pioneer Church Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Denise Boose, September 30, 2014

4. The Pioneer Church Entrance

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2014, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 432 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 5, 2014, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.