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Old Adobe Mission: Scottsdale's Historic Heart

Discover Scottsdale's oldest church, a historic Spanish Colonial Mission built in 1933, offering a serene glimpse into the city's past.

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The Old Adobe Mission, also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Help, is Scottsdale's oldest standing church, constructed in 1933 by Mexican immigrants. Built with over 14,000 handmade adobe bricks, it stands as a testament to the community's faith and heritage.

A brief summary to Old Adobe Mission Scottsdale

Local tips

  • Visit during the annual Dia de los Muertos celebration to experience a vibrant cultural event.
  • Take a guided tour to learn about the mission's history and architectural details; call (480) 980-3628 to schedule a private tour.
  • Explore the surrounding Old Town Scottsdale area, known for its art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
  • Check the mission's schedule for religious services and holiday events.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Old Adobe Mission is located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, easily accessible on foot from most points within the Old Town area. From the Scottsdale Civic Center, walk south on Brown Avenue for about 5 minutes. The mission will be on your left, across from the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers' Market.

  • Public Transport

    The Scottsdale Trolley offers free service throughout Old Town Scottsdale. Check the trolley route map for the nearest stop to your location. From the trolley stop, follow the walking directions to the mission. Valley Metro bus routes also serve the area, with connections to Phoenix and Tempe. A single bus fare costs $2.

  • Ride Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Scottsdale. Request a ride to 3817 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. The cost of a short ride within Old Town Scottsdale typically ranges from $7 to $15, depending on demand and distance.

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Discover more about Old Adobe Mission Scottsdale

The Old Adobe Mission, located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, is a historical landmark and a spiritual sanctuary. Originally named Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH), it was built in 1933 by Mexican settlers, representing their religious and cultural commitment. Designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style by Robert T. Evans, the mission's architecture was inspired by churches in Sonora and New Mexico. The construction of the mission was a community effort, with more than 14,000 adobe bricks made by hand from a mixture of native clay, silt, sand, straw, dung, and water. Each brick weighed 50 pounds and was carried and placed by hand. Grandvell Shumaker created the blueprints, while Bérnabe Herrera, a tinsmith, handcrafted the 15 stained-glass panes using discarded glass from St. Augustine's Cathedral in Tucson. The women of the community played a vital role by organizing fundraising events and providing food and encouragement to the workers. In 1949, the mission became a parish, serving the community until 1956 when a larger church was built. In 2001, the City of Scottsdale officially placed the mission on its Register of Historic Buildings, and restoration efforts began. Today, the Old Adobe Mission stands as a monument to faith, with its simple design and serene atmosphere attracting visitors from around the world. It's a place for prayer, contemplation, and a connection to Scottsdale's early history.

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