History:      

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.