Tonopah’s St. Mark’s Church Celebrates 120 Years with Historic Marker Reveal This Weekend
TONOPAH, Nevada — St. Mark’s P.E. Church, a landmark on 210 University Street, is marking a milestone this Memorial Day weekend, celebrating 120 years of uninterrupted religious service to the Tonopah community. The event features the official unveiling of a new historical marker, drawing attention to the church’s unique place in Nevada’s rich frontier history.
Since its cornerstone was laid on April 18, 1906, St. Mark’s has remained true to its original purpose as a place of worship, surviving the tumultuous changes common to frontier towns. Unlike many of Tonopah’s early 20th-century buildings, St. Mark’s has never closed or been repurposed, a fact emphasized by longtime Tonopah resident and Tonopah Community Church member Karmin Greber. “The church has been operating for 120 years! That’s very unique in a community such as ours,” Greber told the Pahrump Valley Times.
Historic Design and Craftsmanship Draw National Recognition
The single-story stone structure, measuring 33 by 60 feet, is noted for its well-preserved gothic architecture and masterful stone masonry by renowned local craftsman E.E. Burdick. Burdick’s work also includes the iconic Nye County Courthouse and H.A. McKim building, landmarks credited for defining Tonopah’s historic skyline. The church features magnificent stained-glass windows, a still-ringing church bell suspended by the entryway, and one of Nevada’s oldest functioning pipe organs.
St. Mark’s was formally added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, a testament to its architectural and cultural significance in the region. Despite the passage of time, the building’s character has remained intact as its original function as a community worship center continues.
New Ownership and Community Celebration
For the past decade, Tonopah Community Church, a non-denominational congregation, has shared the space with the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada. This year, in a significant development, Tonopah Community Church purchased the building outright, securing its future as a spiritual home for residents. Greber expressed pride in maintaining and honoring the legacy this historic church represents. “It’s a beautiful structure that we are very privileged to use,” she remarked.
The church will host an open house at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, during the Jim Butler Days festivities, featuring rides in a Ford Model A provided by Pastor Jim Galli. The official unveiling of the historical plaque will follow at 4:30 p.m., inviting community members and visitors to share in the celebration and recognize the church’s indelible mark on Tonopah’s heritage.
Jim Butler Days, a flagship event in Tonopah celebrating the town’s mining founder and history, provides the perfect backdrop for this milestone. Tonopah Community Church will also participate with a themed float in the parade, highlighting St. Mark’s architectural grandeur and historic significance.
Why This Matters Now
Beyond its local significance, the story of St. Mark’s P.E. Church illustrates the resilience of community landmarks across America, particularly those forged during the frontier era. In a time when many historical buildings face demolition or repurposing, St. Mark’s preservation is a rare and inspiring example of dedicated stewardship.
This celebration offers a tangible connection to Tonopah’s past, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience firsthand a 120-year legacy of faith, architecture, and community that continues to thrive in the 21st century.
For more details on the event and Tonopah Community Church’s ongoing activities, visit TonopahChurch.org.
“We’re very excited about the 120th anniversary of this building,” Karmin Greber said. “Everyone can come over that afternoon to celebrate with us.”
