Then and now: Church still stands 80 years later

Christian Science Church at the Y.
Photo/Lake Tahoe Historical Society

The Christian Science Church on Highway 50 near the Tahoe Valley Y was built in 1935 by Lora Knight of Emerald Bay. She is most famous for building the historic Vikingsholm and the teahouse atop Fannette Island. She also was a benefactor of Christian Science churches in Reno and Santa Barbara.

The church building in the 1950s. Photo/Del Laine Collection, Lake Tahoe Historical Society

In the early 190s the church had vacant land on both sides. Highway 50 was a two-lane road.

A reading room was added at left, and South Lake Tahoe Fire Station No. 3 is just to the right. Photo/Bill Kingman

Still in continuous use after 80 years, this is the oldest church at Lake Tahoe.

My thanks to Cindy Cowen for her research assistance.

— Bill Kingman