Tonopah, NV — A historic landmark in Tonopah, St. Mark’s P.E. Church, is celebrating 120 years of continuous worship with a special event this Memorial Day weekend. The church, standing strong since 1906, will host an open house and unveil a new historical marker on Saturday, May 23, as part of the annual Jim Butler Days festivities.
Known as the church by the pool for its distinctive gothic architecture, St. Mark’s has remained a vital place of worship through Tonopah’s evolution, never closing its doors. Its iconic stone masonry and magnificent stained-glass windows highlight its historical and architectural significance.
Karmin Greber, longtime Tonopah resident and member of Tonopah Community Church, described the church’s remarkable longevity and unique role in the community. “This building has always held true to its original dedication, serving the community as a church,” she said in an interview with the Pahrump Valley Times. Greber added that Tonopah Community Church, a non-denominational congregation, recently became the official owner of the building in 2026, securing its future as a sacred space.
The church’s interior houses one of Nevada’s oldest still-functioning pipe organs and continues to ring its original bell every Sunday, creating an atmosphere that connects present congregants to generations past.
Historic Craftsmanship Up Close
St. Mark’s is recognized for its exceptional construction, with local stonemason E.E. Burdick responsible for its masonry. Burdick is also credited for masonry on other notable Tonopah landmarks such as the Nye County Courthouse. According to the 1980 Nye County Historical Property Survey, St. Mark’s “is one of the best-constructed stone buildings in Tonopah,” boasting detailed gothic arches and a gabled roof.
In 1982, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its character and ensuring recognition of its cultural importance.
Memorial Day Weekend Celebration and Community Impact
This Saturday’s open house event kicks off at 2 p.m. with Pastor Jim Galli offering rides in a Ford Model A that will also appear in the Jim Butler Days Parade. The highly anticipated historical plaque unveiling is set for 4:30 p.m., inviting community members and visitors to commemorate the church’s storied past and ongoing mission.
Greber emphasized the importance of this moment: “We’re very excited about the 120th anniversary. Maintaining this beautiful, historic structure is a privilege, and we’re grateful to carry on its legacy.”
Tonopah Community Church’s purchase in 2026 marks a new chapter for St. Mark’s, ensuring the building remains a vibrant spiritual home amid a town that has seen significant change over more than a century.
The event offers a rare chance for Ohioans and Americans nationwide to witness a living piece of Western heritage still active today. The blend of history, architecture, and community spirit makes this milestone noteworthy far beyond Tonopah.
For more details on the 120th-anniversary celebrations or Tonopah Community Church, visit TonopahChurch.org.
“It’s a beautiful structure that we are very privileged to use,” Karmin Greber said, highlighting the church’s unique appeal.
The Ohio Observer will continue to track this developing celebration and its impact on preserving historic American landmarks.
