The city of Miami's oldest Roman Catholic church, Gesu Church, was founded in 1896 before the city was incorporated. The wooden church was later re-built in 1921 by land donated by railroad tycoon Henry M. Flagler in what is today Dowtown Miami's business district. This historic landmark has been the spiritual center for visiting soldiers from the Spanish-American War, First World War and World War II. Many parts of the building were recently restored including the bell tower, the facade and interiors.