Some locals say there’s more praying in Reno/Tahoe casinos than in churches, but that’s anybody’s guess. What is clear is that the area has boasted rich religious diversity since the first pastors preached in mining camps, trading stations, and farming communities in the 1800s.
Bringing spiritual leadership to the pioneers of Reno and Lake Tahoe presented unique challenges, however. In addition to contending with the expected hardships of frontier life, the first clergy had to travel many miles to reach flocks scattered in the tiny far-flung settlements. Conditions were often less than ideal for conducting church services, since the early “towns” were sometimes nothing more than collections of tents or temporary structures. But the early preachers persevered, even offering sermons from pulpits in local saloons if necessary. When the population boomed, particularly after the discovery of silver in Virginia City, Nevada, in 1859, the first churches were constructed. And as Reno/Tahoe became more settled, representatives from a variety of denominations arrived to help “civilize” the area.
The Mormons first arrived in 1849, when a group was dispatched from Salt Lake City to develop a settlement in the Carson Valley south of Reno. Known originally as Mormon Station, the community was later renamed Genoa after the Italian town where Christopher Columbus was born. The oldest town in Nevada, Genoa was the site of the first government in what would later become the state of Nevada. (For details about the sights in this charming historic town, see the Day Trips chapter.) With more than 20 congregations, the Mormons continue to be a well-established religious group in the area.
The first Catholic church in the region was built after Father H. P. Gallagher arrived in Genoa in 1860. With around 40 parishes in the Diocese of Reno today, the Catholic church is an important part of the religious scene in Reno/Tahoe. With about 4,000 families as members, the largest congregation is at St. Therese Church of the Little Flower at 875 East Plumb Lane in Reno. A modern circular structure completed in 1978, the church is open and spacious, with lovely faceted stained-glass windows.
St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral in Reno had humble beginnings as St. Mary’s Washoe Mission. Established in 1871 as an independent parish, it was elevated to the status of cathedral in 1931 by Pope Pius XI. After fires destroyed earlier buildings, the church settled into its present home at 310 West Second Street in 1910. Constructed in Italian Renaissance style, the cathedral showcases exquisite stained-glass windows created by Hungarian artists Isabel and Edith Piczek.
The Episcopalians arrived in the area in 1859, and though less numerous than some other denominations, six churches thrive today. If you’re looking for churches with a view, none is lovelier than St. John’s in the Wilderness Episcopal Church at 1776 U.S. Highway 50 in Glenbrook, Nevada. Overlooking the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe, the window behind the pulpit presents an inspirational panorama of snow-dusted mountains and azure water. Trinity Episcopal Church at 200 Island Avenue in Reno also boasts a delightful setting right on the Truckee River. After services, parishioners can enjoy refreshments on the front lawn of the church while watching the river flow by, weather permitting.
The First United Methodist Church in Reno, another intriguing church on the Truckee River, dates from 1868 and has been in its present building at First and West Streets since 1926. A charming ivy-covered stone building, its lighted tower is a well-known landmark in downtown. Like many churches, First United Methodist has beautiful stained-glass windows in its sanctuary. But unlike any other church, the windows are framed by the Hosanna Arch, which contains the delicate sculptured faces of infants and children in the parish.
Along with Protestants and Catholics, people of the Jewish faith also established early religious communities. The first B’nai B’rith lodge was founded in 1862 in Virginia City, and the Chevrah B’rith Sholom in Reno in 1878. The first Jewish temple, Temple Emanu-El, was built in Reno in 1921. Today Jewish services are held in Reno at conservative Temple Emanu-El (1031 Manzanita Lane, (775-825-5600, www.renoemanuel.org), reform Temple Sinai (3405 Gulling Road, 775-747-5508, www.templesinai-reno.org), and orthodox Chabad (3600 Clover Way, 775)-825-8928, www.chabadnorthernnevada.com). Services are also held at Temple Bat Yam (3260 Pioneer Trail, 775-588-4503, www.templebatyamtahoe.org) in Stateline, Nevada. The North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation meets at 7000 Latone Avenue in Tahoe Vista, California (530-546-0895, www.tahoetemple.org).
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is the oldest African-American congregation in Nevada. Founded in Reno in 1907, it moved to its present building at 2655 North Rock Boulevard in Sparks, Nevada, in 1993. Tracing its roots to the Free African Society Church founded in 1787, Bethel AME has experienced strong growth in recent years.
With more than 200 churches and synagogues, Reno/Tahoe is diverse in religious options. Just a glance at a local phone book will show listings for every well-known denomination, such as Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish congregations, as well as some not so well known, including Baha’i, Buddhist, Eckankar, and Muslim groups. Diversity does not stop with the variety of religious communities but also extends to the languages used in the services. An increasing number of churches offer services in Spanish because of the significant number of Spanish-speaking people living in the Reno/Tahoe area. With the overall growth in population, the demand for more and larger churches has also increased. New churches are springing up to accommodate the growing number of people who want to affiliate with a religious community.
To find specific information about church services, look up “Churches” or “Synagogues” in the local telephone books, and give the congregation of your choice a call. If you don’t connect with a person, most churches provide recorded messages about the times of services and activities. Church news is also printed in the Saturday edition of the Reno Gazette-Journal and periodically in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza, and the Tahoe World.