Mission San Xavier, Tuscon

Called "White Dove of the Desert" this mission was founded in 1692.  The building took fifteen years to build and was completed in 1797.  In 1887 an earthquake knocked down one wall, and the west tower was struck by lightening in 1939.  Restoration continues when funds are available. 

It is still an active parish, in addition to being widely considered as the finest example of Spanish colonial architecture in the U.S.