Mark Twain's Church Building Razed

A 1949 addition to a Carson City church that Mark Twain raised money to build has been razed to make way for construction of a new sanctuary.

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - A 1949 addition to a Carson City church that Mark Twain raised money to build has been razed to make way for construction of a new sanctuary.

The 1,200-square-foot addition to the 1864 First Presbyterian Church building was demolished last Thursday by two local companies.

Church officials also had originally planned to tear down the old church, saying it did not meet the needs of a growing congregation and it would be too expensive to restore.

But after a public outcry, church and city officials reached an agreement last year to spare the sanctuary that Twain helped build while he was a newspaper reporter in nearby Virginia City.

Under the agreement, the city will be charged with restoring the original building while the church will be allowed to build the 9,600-square-foot sanctuary next to it.

"I'm glad they worked out a deal to save the old building. It does have historical significance," said Duane Glanzmann, 72, a church member for more than 50 years.

Twain raised $200 - worth $2,200 today - to help complete construction of the church in 1864 by charging admission to his "roast" of Nevada legislators in Carson City. His brother, Orion Clemens, was a church member and secretary of the Nevada Territory at the time.

Historic preservationists have said it would be a mistake to tear down the building at a time when local and state officials are stepping up efforts to promote heritage tourism. They note it's one of only four remaining buildings linked to Twain in Nevada.

Since the 1864 church was last used for services in 2001, more than 400 parishioners have been gathering next door in another building.

"We hope to be in the new sanctuary by Christmas in a perfect world," the Rev. Bruce Kochsmeier told the Nevada Appeal.

Under the agreement, the church will retain ownership of the original building. Church officials have said they could use it for weddings, small religious ceremonies and Sunday School classes.

The addition had housed the choir loft, organ chancel and restrooms.

Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.