A Brief History

First Presbyterian Church

of Carson City, NV

(based on a history by Victor Goodwin and Wilbur Wieprecht)

The First Presbyterian Church has been continuously active at its present location since June 2, 1861. It and its members have figure prominently in the history of Carson City and the state of Nevada all of that time. First meetings were held in the Stone Schoolhouse at the NW corner of Nevada and Musser Streets. Property was secured almost immediately and building commenced with a closed in building in place by November of 1862. Due to a recession in the area and the Civil War, however, the building was not completed until May of 1864. Among the early fund raisers was a presentation by Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) whose brother, Orion, was an active member during the early years.

The organizing pastor of the church was WW Brier on behalf of the Alta California Synod of the Presbyterian Church. The church wasted no time in hiring Rev. A. F. White as its first pastor. Rev. White came from the Gilroy, CA Presbyterian Church in September of 1861 and stayed here until April 1868 when Rev Alexander took over his duties. During Rev White’s tenure the church grew from 11 to 119 members.

In 1896, the church remodeled the original building, adding a Sunday School wing, narthex, belfry and steeple to the church. This was during the pastorate of Rev Nash.

The pastor with the longest association with the church was Rev John Harvey who began his ministry here in 1922. He served from 1922 to 1928 and 1935 to 1952 when he retired.

It should be noted that from 1929 to 1948 the Presbyterians and the Methodists worshipped together as a federated congregation. The two churches then separated to be parts of their respective denominations.

In 1949, the Sunday School building was remodeled to use the 2^nd floor and the tin ceiling in the sanctuary was removed to expose the large roof timbers. Further remodeling was completed in 1969 adding much needed Sunday School space.

To administrate this growing Christian Education program, Mrs Bishop was hired as a full time position in 1971. By 1973 the church membership had grown to 490 and all current indebtedness was paid off.

In 1975 the church building received a Carson City Historical Marker plaque to recognize its place as the oldest church building. In 1984, the church’s first pipe organ was installed.

By the mid 1980s, Rev Gregg Townsley was serving as the 35^th pastor of the church. He served from 1985 to 1994. During his tenure the Family Life Center was built and dedicated. Today this part of the building is used for worship services due to the lack of structural integrity of the 1864 building. In 1994 a business building across the street was acquired for use as church offices.

In Nov 1995, Rev Bruce Kochsmeier became Sr Pastor of the church, having come from the La Jolla, CA Presbyterian Church. 1996 was a time of congregational development and membership building. In 2002 Rev. Alan Dorway became Associate Pastor of the church emphasizing the ministry to the youth of the church.

In late 1997 efforts were put forth to raise money for a reconstruction of the 1864 building. Architectural concept drawings were produced and some money dedicated for that purpose. There was insufficient money to pursue the building at that time and the congregation still worships in the Family Life Center.

The church today is very active with members and family of all ages and backgrounds pursuing in their own way the mission of the church as was put forth by Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20.

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."