Scaffolding reaches to the ceiling above the altar at San Xavier del Bac Mission in Tucson where Tim Lewis and his wife Matilde Rubio work on the restoration of the mission's interior for years. Photo by A.E. Araiza/ Arizona Daily Star
Over the years, Patronato San Xavier has raised more than $11 million for preservation and restoration work at the mission, including a multi-year project to restore the altar area and interior artwork. The Patronato is trying to raise more money to restore the East tower.
The mission is built of low-fire clay brick, stone and lime mortar. The church's interior is filled with original statuary and murals.
