Trinity Episcopal Church, Reno

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Reno is a landmark of faith, architecture, and community resilience. Founded in 1870, the parish held its first services in a local schoolhouse before constructing its church in 1875. As Reno grew, so did the congregation’s ambitions. In the 1920s, they acquired new property across the Truckee River and enlisted prominent Nevada architect Frederic DeLongchamps to design a larger church. While only the lower level-referred to as the crypt-was completed in 1929, it served the parish’s needs for two decades.

Following World War II, construction resumed with a new design by John N. Tilton, a noted ecclesiastical architect and Cornell University professor. His Gothic Revival design was built atop the existing crypt and formally dedicated in 1949. The final major structure on the grounds, the Parish House, was completed in 1958. Designed by Edward Parsons, it used pioneering tilt-up concrete panel construction, a first for northern Nevada at the time.

Beyond its architectural legacy, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral is known for its vibrant cultural contributions. A 32-bell carillon was installed in 1972, followed by the dedication of a 37-rank Casavant Frères pipe organ in 1999-one of the largest in the state. The church hosts regular free organ concerts, drawing audiences from across the region.

Trinity became the seat of the Diocese of Nevada in 2016 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. Today, it stands as an inclusive, welcoming space rooted in service, tradition, and creativity-continuing a legacy that began over 150 years ago.