Our Story
1872 First church service in Lamoille
The Sacramento Presbytery
began sending out missionaries to establish churches in towns linked by
the Central Pacific Railroad. On July 21, 1872, the Reverend Charles D.
Roberts expanded his usual preaching circuit between Elko, Carlin, and
Palisades to include the little community of Lamoille. A small group of
men, women and children gathered together for Sunday service.
1890 – Organization of
The First Presbyterian Church of Lamoille
1904 – Reorganization of Lamoille church
During a service on October 19, 1890 at the Lamoille School House, the decision was
made to organize a church in Lamoille. The following week, on October 26, 1890, at 7:00
p.m. the Reverend James M. McComb accepted nine people into the newly organized First
Presbyterian Church of Lamoille.
1904 – Reorganization of Lamoille church
On September 18, 1904, George Henry Greenfield called
together a congregational meeting for the purpose of reorganizing the Lamoille church.
Five of the original nine members were still with the church from the time it was first
organized. At the meeting, the newly elected trustees welcomed Rev. Greenfield as their
new pastor. Church services were to be held one Sunday morning a month, and plans were
made to build a church in Lamoille.
1905 – Laying of the Cornerstone
Work on the new edifice was begun in July and by August preparations were being made
for the laying of the cornerstone. All of Elko was invited, with transportation, meals,
and lodging made available for the occasion. On August 6, 1905, over two hundred people
from the community and surrounding valleys gathered just before sunset to witness the
laying of the cornerstone.
1940 – Lamoille Church Closed
By 1940, the
infrequency of services and a general decline in population led to the closure
of the Lamoille church.
1947 – Services Resumed
In June of 1945, the Rev. James Baird and his family arrived
to take charge of the churches in Elko and Lamoille. By 1947, evening services
were held on alternate Saturdays, and Sunday School was resumed. Repairs to the
church building were made.
1954 – Lamoille Church Dissolved
For so many years, only a handful of people kept the church
repaired as best they could. By the mid 1950s the average attendance at
services was about twelve. Although the building was being maintained, the
Nevada Presbytery, believing the congregation was just too small to sustain the
church and pastor, dissolved the church at the crossroads on April 3, 1954.
1955
– The Church Reactivated
On
October 20, acting pastor Rev. Shotwell notified members that the church had
been dissolved by presbytery. A petition was signed by thirteen adults asking
presbytery to reactivate the church. At the fall Presbytery meeting in
Hawthorne, Nevada, Presbytery granted authority to reorganize the Lamoille
church. With this last reorganization, the word “Community” was added
officially to the church’s name to reflect the community of faiththat
had kept the valley’s church alive by people of all denominations. The next day,
the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Laying of the Cornerstone was celebrated.1970
– Major Restoration of Church
Through
the combined efforts of the Lamoille Church Restoration Committee, the Lamoille
Women’s Club, the Lamoille Mizpah Society, and donations in time and money from
church members and residents of Elko County, over $7,000 was raised to restore
the “Little Church of the Crossroads” to its former beauty.
1988 – Reverend Richard L. Davis
Under “Pastor Dick’s”
leadership, church membership continued to grow. For the first time, the
Lamoille church was able to become financially independent from Mission funds,
and was able to have a full-time pastor. The stability Rev. Davis provided
enabled the church to expand programs for children and adults. Some holiday
traditions began that included Halloween parties and hayride; a Thanksgiving
Service; Hanging of the Green; a Live Nativity; candlelight Christmas Eve
service; Seder Dinner, and Easter vigil. Rev. Davis led the church
through a major remodeling project that included a fellowship hall, meeting
rooms, offices, and classrooms.
1993
– Groundbreaking for second addition
Session members and the Building Committee launched the groundbreaking ceremony
for the second building addition on August 15, 1993. 1994 Dedication
Service
A Dedication service
for the new addition of the Fellowship Hall and Christian Education Classrooms
took place in the church yard. At a cost of $197,000., the two story, 30 x 40
sq. ft. annex provided classrooms, nursery, office space, and a large
fellowship hall.2005
100th Anniversary
The 100th anniversary
of the dedication of the church was celebrated through October and early
November 2005 with an art show, a church open house, and guest pastors who
participated in the Sunday worship service. Once again this community of faith
rejoiced.
