Take a Look At Arizona's 12 Oldest Churches

It's always nice to know more about your state -- especially when Arizona has such an interesting history to be learned. One thing I find interesting to learn about is religion in the States.

For instance, did you know that the 12 oldest churches in Arizona predate the state's admittance to the Union? Arizona officially became the 48th state on February 14, 1912. While the 12 oldest churches in the state started within the dates of 1691 - 1901.

Today there are thousands of churches in Arizona, but sometimes it is nice to take a step back in history and look at the older ones.

What is the prominent religion in Arizona?

According to WorldAtlas, the most prominent religious belief in Arizona today is Non-denominational Evangelical Protestants. Followed by the Mormon Church and the Catholic Church.

As for the largest non-Christian group? That would be Hinduism.

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When was the oldest church in the state formed?

According to Only in Your State, the oldest church in Arizona was established in 1691. Construction of the building began in 1753 and it was abandoned in 1848. Its name is Mission San José de Tumacácori in Tumacácori.

@xploretucson The former Tumacácori mission is one of the oldest national park sites in the United States, as well as the oldest mission site in Arizona. For most, the main attraction of the park is the Franciscan-era church, but there is also an on-site museum, a replica of a traditional O'odham dwelling from the era, and the ruins of the mission convent and cemetery. 📍 1891 I-19 Frontage Rd, Tumacacori-Carmen, AZ 85640 #xploretucson #tucson #arizona #tumacacori ♬ original sound - Xplore Tucson

Mission San José de Tumacácori was the first mission to be established in Arizona. This mission, like others to come after it in the state, was a part of colonization by the global Spanish mission system -- which had objectives of converting local Indians to Catholicism, generating money for Spain, and creating a self-sufficient agricultural community, according to National Parks Services.

After establishing this first mission, others were also started within the state.

But Mission San José de Tumacácori is only one of the historic, old churches in Arizona. Continue scrolling to see even more:

LOOK: 12 of the Oldest Churches in Arizona

There is a lot of history in Arizona, including religion. Learn a little about Arizona's religious history with a look at the 12 oldest churches in the state.