St. Mary's in the Mountains Catholic Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Mary's in the Mountains Catholic Church |
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| Location | 111 South E Street Virginia City, Nevada |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
| History | |
| Founded | 1868 |
| Architecture | |
| Groundbreaking | 1868 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Reno |
St. Mary's in the Mountains Catholic Church is a special church in Virginia City, Nevada. It's part of the Roman Catholic Church and is overseen by the Diocese of Reno. This historic church is not just a place for worship. It also has a museum where you can learn about its past and a gift shop.
Contents
History of St. Mary's Church
Early Churches in Virginia City
The very first Catholic church in Virginia City was built in 1860 by Father Hugh Gallagher. Sadly, this church was not very strong. It was blown down by strong winds within two years of being built.
Father Patrick Manogue took over after Father Gallagher. He arrived in the area known as the Comstock Lode, which was famous for its silver mines. Father Manogue quickly built a new church to replace the one that had been destroyed.
Building a New Church (1864)
The new church built by Father Manogue was officially opened on July 17, 1864. It was named St. Mary in the Mountains Church. Bishop Eugene O'Connell, who was the Bishop of Grass Valley at the time, led the dedication ceremony. Father Manogue later became the first Bishop of Sacramento.
Growth and Rebuilding (1870-1876)
During this time, many Irish immigrants came to Virginia City. They came to work in the busy mines. Because so many people arrived, the church needed to be much bigger.
So, a larger church made of brick was built across the street. This new, bigger church was dedicated by Bishop O'Connell on November 20, 1870.
However, a huge fire, known as the Great Fire of 1875, swept through Virginia City in 1875. This fire sadly burned down the new brick church. But the community was determined! They rebuilt the church the very next year, in 1876.
Music at St. Mary's
The Historic Pipe Organ
In 1982, St. Mary's Church got a special musical instrument: a pipe organ. This organ was built around 1898 by the William Schuelke pipe organ. It had been used by two other places before finding its home at St. Mary's.
The organ was moved and set up by a local company called Miller Organ Company. It was placed on the front left side of the main church area, called the nave.
Chimes and Their Story
A matching wooden case was built on the front right side of the nave. This case held the church chimes. These chimes could be played from their own small keyboard.
The Schuelke organ had an interesting journey. It was first built for Gjerpens Lutheran Church in Valders, Wisconsin. Later, it was moved to a private home in Green Bay before finally coming to St. Mary's.
External links
- St. Mary's in the Mountains - Facebook site
- Online Nevada: St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church
