– The Old Adobe Mission in Downtown Scottsdale –
If you have ever explored Old Town Scottsdale, then you have surely passed by the Old Adobe Mission. Located at 3821 North Brown Avenue, the Mission is located across from the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers’ Market and adjacent to The Mission Restaurant. It is also known as the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.
Old Adobe Mission – History
Construction on the church began in 1931 and completed in October 1933. It was hand-build by Catholic Mexican settlers in a Spanish Colonial style designed by Robert T. Evans. It is composed of fifty pound bricks that were made with clay, hay soil and water. They believe about 14,000 of these bricks were used in the construction. There are also fifteen stained glass windows that were made by Bernabe Herrera.
In 1949, the Old Abobe Mission became the Catholic parish and it played that role until the parish was moved to a larger location in 1956.
In 1953, the first Miracle of the Roses parade and play took place, celebrating the appearance of the apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe in 1531. This first pageant attracted over 7,000 people, including dignitaries. The pageant was discontinued in 1967. However, in 2007, it was resurrected and continues through today.
In 2001, the Old Abobe Mission was added to the Registry of Historic Buildings. And, during the same time, the restoration efforts began. Since then, the exterior has been fixed and repainted, new electrical and air conditioning have gone in, there has been new landscaping and so much more. Today, the restoration efforts are over 75% complete and the evidence of the heartfelt work is evident.
The Old Abobe Mission is located at 3821 North Brown Avenue, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. For more information, please visit the Mission’s Facebook page. Tours of the mission are available via the docent program.
Disclaimer: information deemed accurate, but not guaranteed. Details courtesy of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.
Photo by cogdogblog 
