Summary

Carson City, Nevada, is home to four historic Christian churches, all over 150 years old, which have been well-maintained and are featured along the 2.5-mile Kit Carson Trail.

Abstract

The historic district of Carson City boasts four Christian churches that were established in the 1860s. These churches have stood the test of time and continue to serve their congregations, with some expanding to accommodate their growing numbers. The First Presbyterian Church, built in 1864, holds the title of the oldest Presbyterian Church in Nevada still in service. The United Methodist Church, with its origins in 1859, is the city's oldest congregation and was constructed using stone from a prison quarry. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, built in 1867-1868 for $5,500, is a fine example of Gothic revival architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its rectory, which once served as the residence of Nevada's first state governor, is also a historically significant building. The St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, built in 1871 and later renovated in 1949, was deconsecrated in 2000 and now functions as a performance hall under the Brewery Arts Center. These churches are integral to the Kit Carson Trail, which showcases nearly 50 historic sites in Carson City.

Opinions

The author, Kim Zuch, appreciates the historical significance and the well-preserved condition of these churches.
The author suggests that the worship services in these churches may have retained their traditional character over the years.
The purchase of land for the United Methodist Church for "$25 and a pair of cowboy boots" is highlighted as a quaint historical detail.
The author expresses a personal connection, having attended a Celtic music concert at the former St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church.
The author emphasizes the importance of the Kit Carson Trail in highlighting the city's rich history through its historic buildings.

HISTORIC BUILDINGS

4 Historic Churches in Carson City, Nevada

They are all 150+ years old

First Presbyterian Church (1864). Photo by the Author, Kim Zuch.

Church bells ring on Sunday morning. The organist plays an uplifting hymn as worshippers take their seats. After church, children play while adults mingle with coffee or tea.

Carson City’s historic district features four Christian churches that date back to the 1860s. These historic buildings are well-maintained. Some have expanded with their congregations.

I imagine the hymns and worship services have changed very little over the past 150 years.

The photo above features the First Presbyterian Church. It was built in 1864, and according to Visit Carson City, it’s “considered to be the oldest Presbyterian Church in service in Nevada.”

United Methodist Church (1865) Photo by the Author, Kim Zuch.

The United Methodist Church is reported to be the oldest congregation in Carson City, dating back to 1859. Worshippers met in members’ homes until the congregation grew so much it needed its own church building.

The congregation purchased a plot of land for “$25 and a pair of cowboy boots.” The stone came from the prison quarry. It took four years to haul enough stone to build the sanctuary. The church was dedicated in 1867. Source

St Peter’s Episcopal Church (1868). Photo by the Author, Kim Zuch.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church was built in 1867–1868 and cost $5,500. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places.

“This structure is an exceptionally fine rendition of the Gothic revival style used widely in the 19th Century,” according to Visit Carson City.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Rectory (1862) and church grounds. Photos by the Author, Kim Zuch.

“St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Rectory ranks among Carson City’s oldest and most significant historic dwellings.” Source

The historical marker associated with the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Rectory says this is “Nevada’s first state governor’s residence,” used by Henry G. Blasdel in 1867.

It was in this house in February of 1865 that Governor Blasdel signed the letter informing President Lincoln of Nevada’s ratification of the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery. Source: The Rectory’s Historical Marker, placed by Carson City.

St. Peter’s purchased the house in 1891 with the intention of providing a home for the priest. The building is still owned by the church. It’s been used as a preschool and for community outreach.

St. Theresa of Avila (1871). Photo by the Author, Kim Zuch.

The St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church was built in 1871. The building was renovated with a red brick exterior in 1949 to preserve it for future generations.

It served as a church until 2000 when the congregation outgrew this building. They moved into a larger church across town and the historic building was deconsecrated.

Today, the building is owned by the Brewery Arts Center and serves as a performance hall. I was lucky enough to see one of their Celtic music concerts in February of 2020, and I’m looking forward to more of their events.

These historic churches are located along the 2.5-mile Kit Carson Trail. This trail marks almost 50 historic houses, churches, and museums in Carson City, Nevada.