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The History
The Catholic Church
had its beginning in the Carson Valley in 1858, with one pastor serving
Virginia City, Genoa, and Carson City. By 1865, churches had been
constructed in all three communities; however, in the late 1800’s, the
church in Genoa was destroyed by fire and our religious community had to
meet in various halls throughout the valley.
Between 1917 and
1920 a small group of the faithful began a project building a new church in
Gardnerville on land donated by S.A. Imelli. Approximately 30 families
banded together and raised $7000.00 toward the costs of a new church. Much
of the work was furnished by the parishioners. On June 22, 1919, Bishop
Thomas Grace dedicated the church to St. Gall and administered the sacrament
of Confirmation for the first time. We were considered a “Mission” church
of St. Theresa, and it wasn’t until January of 1940 that we were truly
established as an individual parish with our very own pastor.
By the late 1950’s
our parish had grown to approximately sixty families and our first rectory
was acquired.
In 1958, Sisters of
the Holy Family came to teach catechism and also started a kindergarten for
people of all faiths. They continued to serve this public need until the
public schools established their own some years later.
The residence on
Douglas was purchased for a convent and a building was moved from the
Buckeye Ranch and situated next door to be used
as a school and parish hall. The convent was converted to serve as our
rectory when the sisters left our community.
In April of 1979, a
fire gutted the inside of our church and during the restoration process, the
confessionals and choir loft were eliminated in order that additional
seating space could be provided for our ever growing St. Gall family.
Our registered
parish families grow in number each year and, at this time of dedication,
they had over 400 and served many of the faithful who vacation in our
beautiful area throughout the year. The Parish moved into our new “cover”
with joy and anticipation, but fond memories of our first home will linger
in our hearts forever!
The following are
names of Saint Gall Pastors:
Francis Mikula 1940-1942
Peter Moran 1942-1943
Peter Fisher 1943-1943
T.O. Ryan
1944-1944
H.A. Buel
1944-1948
M.T. Mee 1948-1948
John Ryan 1948-1950
C. I. Bourrie 1950-1952
Joseph Azzarelli 1952-1954
Bernard Sheerin 1959-1966
Cyril Kavanagh 1966-1969
Arthur Voeten 1969-1969
George Eagleton 1970-1973
William Avella 1973-1977
John J. Corona 1977-1999
Bill Nadeau 1999-2005
Paul McCollum 2005-
2009- May
Our Parish Family continues to grow! At present we have a total of 1442
families and 3845 total members. May our St. Gall Community always bask in
the harmony of God’s
love.
Click here for Upcoming
90th Anniversary Events |
