The California Mission’s A Glossary of Mission Terms

The California Mission’s Location of the missions

The California Mission’s Adobe Blocks of clay and water mixed with straw. Baked in the sun

The California Mission’s Arcade A roofed walkway One side had arches Provided a cool place to walk

The California Mission’s Bee-Hive Oven A wood-fired, cone-shaped brick oven Used for baking bread

The California Mission’s Bells made of bronze cast in Mexico Used for telling time, announcing events and passing news.

The California Mission’s Bell Tower A tall vertical structure which contains bells A wall with openings for bells.

The California Mission’s Cemetery Holy field

The California Mission’s Convento Wing of a mission building where the missionaries had their living quarters (Bedroom)

The California Mission’s Espadana A wall climbing above the roofline. Heightens the building. It has graceful curves. Has openings for bells.

The California Mission’s Estancia An outlying ranch for the pasturing of livestock. (horses, cattle or sheep)

The California Mission’s Facade The face of a building Elaborate designs

The California Mission’s Frieze Stencils cut from cowhides Created repeated patterns

The California Mission’s Habit Clothing worn by members of Catholic Church (A robe)

The California Mission’s Nave Central space of a church which leads from entrance to the alter. Native American converts stood or sat on the floor.

The California Mission’s Ox-Cart All terrain vehicle which carried hides from missions to the coast for shipment.

The California Mission’s Revival Architecture Architectural style borrowed from the 1800’s Seen throughout California and Midwest

The California Mission’s Sconce A wall mounted candle holder. The mirror reflects the light. Candles made from cow tallow.

The California Mission’s Terra Cotta Hard Fired clay used for pottery, roofing, floor tiles and bricks

The California Mission’s Tile Roof Clay tiles, fired in a kiln and shaped over log molds.

The California Mission’s Vigas Ceiling beams made from single logs Made to support the roof Width of room equaled width of pole.

The California Mission’s Zanja An irrigation ditch. Established around missions.