Tonopah’s St. Mark’s P.E. Church celebrates 120 years with historic marker unveiling
Tonopah, NV – The iconic St. Mark’s P.E. Church is marking a major milestone this Memorial Day weekend as it celebrates 120 years of continuous worship in the heart of Tonopah. The community is invited to a special open house and historical marker unveiling event on Saturday, May 23, during the bustling Jim Butler Days weekend.
This historic stone church, known affectionately as “the church by the pool” for its distinctive gothic architecture and stunning stained-glass windows, stands as one of the oldest continuously operating places of worship in Nevada. Since laying its cornerstone in April 1906, St. Mark’s has remained a spiritual anchor amid decades of local change.
Historic significance and community legacy
The church’s longevity is remarkable in a frontier town where most buildings of the era have been repurposed or shuttered. Longtime Tonopah resident and Tonopah Community Church member Karmin Greber highlighted the church’s unique role:
“The church has been operating for 120 years! And that’s very unique in a community such as ours. Most of the buildings built in the same era have been either shut up or repurposed. This has always held true to its original dedication, which is serving the community as a church.”
Greber’s group, a non-denominational Christian church, has been using the building for nearly a decade and officially purchased it this year, committing to preserving its sacred purpose for years to come. “We’re very happy to be the new owners and to be able to maintain that presence,” Greber added.
Iconic features spotlight craftsmanship and tradition
Designed by architect G.B. Lyons and built by local stonemason E.E. Burdick, who also crafted landmark buildings like the original Nye County Courthouse, St. Mark’s is a masterpiece of early 20th-century stone masonry. The well-crafted gothic arches, enduring stone walls, and a rare working pipe organ—one of Nevada’s oldest—make the church a historic treasure.
The building was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and continues to retain its original character and spiritual mission more than a century later.
Memorial Day Weekend events bring community together
The celebrations kick off at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, with an open house at the church located at 210 University Street, Tonopah. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to ride in a vintage Ford Model A courtesy of Pastor Jim Galli, who will also participate in the Jim Butler Days Parade that afternoon.
The highlight will be the unveiling of a newly installed historical marker plaque at 4:30 p.m. celebrating the church’s 120 years of continuous service and significance to Tonopah.
St. Mark’s stands as a beacon of faith and history in an evolving town, preserving the legacy of early Nevada settlers and the frontier spirit. As the church looks to the future under Tonopah Community Church’s stewardship, it remains a symbol of enduring community and worship.
For more information on the church and its anniversary events, visit TonopahChurch.org or contact reporter Robin Hebrock at [email protected].
Why this matters now
The preservation and celebration of St. Mark’s P.E. Church during this Memorial Day weekend underscore a growing national appreciation for historic religious landmarks as vital cultural and community centers. Tonopah’s church stands out as a rare example of uncompromised religious heritage and architectural craftsmanship, offering American readers a powerful story of persistence and pride in local history.
As communities across the US seek to maintain their own historic sites amid rapid change, Tonopah’s St. Mark’s offers a model of dedication and respect for tradition—open to all who wish to experience its rich past this weekend.
