The Mission San Xavier del Bac was founded in 1692 by Eusebio Francisco Kino. The original mission was destroyed in 1770 but was constructed from 1783 to 1797. In 1822, it fell under the jurisdiction of the newly independent Mexican government and the Catholic Diocese of Sonora. In 1828, the Mexican government banned all Spanish-born priests and the priest serving at San Xavier was sent home to Spain; San Xavier was left vacant. From 1828-1858, the vacant church began to decay and local Indians, concerned about their church, started preserving what they could. In 1853, the church was brought under U.S. jurisdiction when the surrounding territory was bought in the Gadsen Purchase. The vacant and decaying church was re-opened, in 1859, when the U.S.-based Santa Fe Diocese added Arizona to its jurisdiction. The Bishop for the Santa Fe Diocese ordered repairs to be made with Diocese money and a priest was assigned to serve at San Xavier. Wikipedia.
I have visited the Church a number of times, but this is first time I have spent taking photographs. During the next few Blog posts, I will share the photos of both the exterior and interior of the Church and its surroundings. This is one of the oldest European built buildings in the State of Arizona and has the nickname of "The White Dove of the Desert."
I have visited the Church a number of times, but this is first time I have spent taking photographs. During the next few Blog posts, I will share the photos of both the exterior and interior of the Church and its surroundings. This is one of the oldest European built buildings in the State of Arizona and has the nickname of "The White Dove of the Desert."
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